Coronavirus: New call to get the jab, 49,500 appointments scheduled

The unvaccinated and the young are at higher risk of infection from the Delta variant, the health ministry said on Thursday in a new call to people to get vaccinated as it announced that 49,500 people are expected to receive a Covid jab in the following weeks.

European countries are stepping up efforts to contain the highly contagious Delta variant which the health ministry said causes more serious hospitalisation and is more infectious among those who did not complete their vaccination, and young people who are more socially active.

In reference to the recent surge of coronavirus cases, with the daily tally spiking to a record high of 952 on Wednesday, the ministry repeated that more than 91 per cent of the new coronavirus cases in Cyprus concern unvaccinated people, or those who have received only the first dose of the jab.

The health ministry said it was “necessary to take action to protect the health system” as it warned over the increase in hospitalisations. On Wednesday evening, there were 93 people being treated for Covid in the island’s state hospitals, of whom 27 are in serious condition. Ten have been intubated.

Infection clusters had been traced to places where large gatherings are taking place such as bars, clubs and social events, leading the government to reinstate some restrictions to contain the spread. In addition, the ministry will intensify attempts to increase the vaccination coverage “to achieve the desired level of immunity in the community as soon as possible”.

At the same time, the ministry noted it respects the safe socialisation of those who choose to get vaccinated, as well as those who did not choose to do so yet.

“Cabinet took steps to ensure that social and economic activity will continue for all residents, regardless of their choice,” the announcement said.

The measures included among others instructions to businesses that opt to host only people who are fully vaccinated or who had passed the illness in the past six months to ensure they inform the public and post visible signs in their establishment.

Moreover, unvaccinated people cannot attend football matches, or visit the cinema or theatre starting July 21.

So far, about 65.6 per cent of the eligible population have received the first dose of the vaccine, while 53.9 per cent are fully vaccinated, the ministry said.

Another 49,500 people have booked appointments for vaccination in the upcoming weeks.

The online vaccination portal remains open for people aged 16 and over.