Coronavirus: Data proves Delta variant dominates in Cyprus (Updated)

The Delta variant has been detected in 100 per cent of the most recently tested samples of the coronavirus, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Health.

Of the 34 samples from Cyprus between June 28 and July 1, which were examined both by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and a private lab in Cyprus, the Delta (Indian) variant was detected in all of them.

“Of the minimal cases of the [Delta] variant at the end of April and the beginning of May, we are in almost full prevalence by the beginning of July,” the health ministry said on Thursday.

The health ministry sent regular samples starting from March 9 and July for analysis. The first 68 samples, dating from March 9 until April 18, showed no presence of the Delta variant, while 89.71 per cent of the samples indicated the Alpha (British) variant. By July 1, the picture had changed completely.  None of the 34 samples detected the Alpha variant.

It must be pointed out, however, that the number of samples varied widely, from the 125 samples tested between May 3 and May 9, to just six samples between May 31 and June 6.

The samples were sent at regular intervals. So in the week from April 19 to April 25, 75 out of the 78 samples indicated the Alpha mutation was detected and the Delta in just two samples.

By May 24 to May 30, nine out of 22 samples detected the Alpha variant and 12 (54.55 per cent) the Delta variant.

The picture continued to change so that by June 21 to June 27, the Alpha variant was identified in just one of the 27 samples and the Delta variant in the remaining 26 (96.3 per cent). By July 1 all 34 samples tested detected the Delta variant.

Finally, he notes that according to the above data, the gradual but large increase in the samples where the Delta variant was detected is seen with greater certainty.