Coronavirus: Case numbers remain very high, report shows (updated)

Cyprus’ cases over the past two weeks remain at exceedingly high levels with a rate of 1,403 per 100,000, according to the health ministry’s latest report.

The data, valid from July 13 – July 26, shows Cyprus to be well above the ECDC’s criteria of ‘dark red’ which is 500 or more cases per 100,000. In the previous report, issued July 16, the rate was 824 per 100,000.

It is worth noting however that daily reported infections have dropped since the reporting period for the latest report.

The latest national report, released by the ministry every two weeks, also says that 99,548 rapid tests per 100,000 were performed. In total, there were 883,986 rapid tests taken during the 14 day period.

Up until July 26, there were “415 Covid-19 associated deaths in the Republic of Cyprus [with a] case fatality risk of 0.4 per cent.”

Men still account for about two thirds of the total deaths with 65 per cent (271 deaths) while the median age of all those who died is 79.

No data regarding vaccination history or underlying health conditions for those who died was provided by the health ministry.

As for hospitalisations, the ministry said the median age of patients (as of July 28) in hospital was 57.

It said of the 255 who were hospitalised, health information as regards comorbidities was only available for 75 patients. Nineteen of those 75 (25.3 per cent) had comorbidities.

For those admitted to ICU the median age is 67, with the median length of stay being 12 days.

While the data in the report is currently four days old, from July 13-26, it shows that 12,463 positive tests were identified – with the median age being 28.

By age group, those aged 0-19 accounted for 26.7 per cent of the positives (3,332), followed by a much broader group – 20-59 – in which the bulk of the positives were identified, with 65.8 per cent (8,205).

Those aged 60 and above accounted for just 7.4 per cent (922).

Nicosia had the largest share of positives identified, at 32 per cent (2,919) but also typically carries out the most tests per day, compared to other districts.

Nicosia was followed by Limassol’s 31.1 per cent share of the positives (2,833). Next was Larnaca’s 17.6 per cent, Paphos’ 10.5 per cent and Famagusta’s 8.7 per cent.