Coronavirus: Infection uptick may be because of Delta Plus variant, expert says

The recent uptick in Covid infections could be because of the arrival of the Delta Plus variant, the head of the biotechnology and molecular virology lab at the University of Cyprus (UCY), has said.

Leontios Kostrikis said the situation would become clearer this week after experts study the infection sequences from October 1 to the end of the month.

Cyprus has so far identified two cases of the Delta Plus variant of the coronavirus.

The sub-lineage has become increasingly common in the UK in recent days with scientists saying it could be more transmissible. There is no evidence yet that it causes worse illness than the Delta variant.

Kostrikis told the Cyprus News Agency on Friday that the vaccination rate in Cyprus was satisfactory, but it appeared that it has stagnated, both as regards the general population and booster shots.

He acknowledged that people were tired of the situation, but it was crucial to complete the vaccination programme.

Kostrikis said he would have preferred if around 85 per cent of the population were vaccinated if possible but for people to also get their booster shots.

“We hope that this new Delta Plus variant will not have the same effects as Delta,” he said. His belief is that there will not be a new wave but there was a possibility of the current one taking longer to abate.

Kostrikis, who used to be a member of the government’s advisory committee, said he expected Cyprus to return to some form of normality early in 2022.

“I think in our country relative calm will arrive by the end of 2021, beginning of 2022, provided we reach the vaccination rates we want.”