The Delta variant (Β.1.617.2) remained dominant among Covid-19 samples sent for sequencing to the ECDC and a private lab in Cyprus, the health ministry announced on Thursday.

The Delta Plus sub-variant (AY.4.2) was detected twice among 215 samples taken between September 24 and October 30 from positive cases across the island.

The majority of the samples, 193, were detected in October – which is also when the confirmed Delta Plus samples were taken.

The samples were sent for further genetic analysis at the University of Cyprus’ Laboratory of Biotechnology and Molecular Virology, the ministry added.

“The health ministry is staying alert and keeps closely monitoring the situation,” the announcement finally said.

The aim, it added, is to identify new variants early and take steps to limit their spread in the community.