Coronavirus: Audit boss tests positive, then negative three times (Update 2)

Auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides on Thursday became likely the most tested public official – if not member of the public – over 24 hours in Cyprus, after undergoing four tests for the coronavirus, the last one finally clearing him conclusively.

Michaelides had to leave the House watchdog committee while it was in session after testing positive for the coronavirus.

He had been tested upon entering the building, in line with regulations, but shortly after taking his seat in the committee he was informed that his rapid test came back positive.

The official left the room and got another rapid test, with the result this time said to be inconclusive.

Michaelides was told to undergo PCR testing in a bid to confirm whether he was infected or not.

The PCR reported negative, but later in the day Michaelides took a second PCR test – which again came back negative.

House president Adamos Adamou said he had contacted the health ministry’s epidemiology team earlier in the day and was told to go ahead with the plenum despite the incident.