New arrivals at the Covid hospital in Famagusta tend to be younger, while they often end up in high dependency units, its head said on Monday.

“The Delta variant is so aggressive, that it affects young people, resulting in sudden and rapid deterioration of their condition. Even those who have been vaccinated should be careful and follow protective and hygiene measures,” Amalia Hadjiyianni said.

“Patients may be admitted to the hospital with mild symptoms, low oxygen needs and, then from the 5th to the 7th day, they present severe respiratory failure. In that case, we move to intubation,” she added.

Around 84 per cent of patients currently being treated at Famagusta hospital have not received the Covid jab, Hadjiyianni said.

The hospital is currently treating 50 people, seven of whom are in the high dependency unit as they need closer monitoring.

The youngest patient is 31 years old and the oldest is 89. The average age is 60 years.

Referring to the vaccine as a “weapon and privilege,” Hadjiyianni urged the public to get vaccinated.

Other than the 50 people receiving treatment at Famagusta hospital, elsewhere in the region 12 patients are hospitalised in Larnaca Hospital one of whom is in the high dependency unit and 139 are currently quarantining at the Eden Rehabilitation Centre in Tersefanou.