Coronavirus: Health minister receives third jab (Updated)

Anti-coronavirus booster shots are the only way for all of us, Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantelas said on Monday as he received his third dose of the vaccine.

Permanent secretary of the health ministry Christina Yiannaki administered the booster dose to the minister at around 1pm at the state fair.

“I feel fine,” said the health minister who was expected to chair a meeting with the epidemiological team later in the day to discuss the possibility of new measures following the emergence of the new coronavirus variant of concern dubbed Omicron.

Following the example of other countries, on Friday Cyprus banned entry to any person who during the last 14 days before arrival has either resided or passed through the territory of South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi and Botswana.

The travel restrictions do not include Cyprus or EU citizens or permanent residents, but they will face mandatory quarantine at their own expense.

Hadjipantelas said that everyone returning from the specific African countries must undergo a PCR test and in case of a positive case he will be personally informed.

If everyone abides by the measures announced last week, there will be no need for a lockdown, he added.