Coronavirus: No further relaxations for now, government says

The epidemiological picture does not allow further relaxations, for now, government spokesman Kyriacos Koushos said on Sunday.

The announcement comes after an emergency meeting at the Presidential Palace under President Nicos Anastasiades where the latest situation was discussed. Coronavirus cases have been gradually rising in recent days as well as deaths and hospitalisations with a record 270 admissions on Saturday.

The meeting was attended by the ministers of health, finance and labour and the government spokesman.

“The prevalence of the British variant in our country affects all ages and is associated with the serious deterioration of the epidemiological indicators in the community and in hospitals, dangerously burdening the health system,” Koushos said.

“The situation, as it turned out, unfortunately, does not allow us to proceed with further relaxations in the coming period, as was the government’s intention until we have the expected benefits from our vaccination programme,” he added.

Koushos called for everyone’s cooperation and urged people to get vaccinated but also continue to follow the health protocols.

“Only then will we be able to get out of this unpleasant situation as soon as possible,” he added.