Coronavirus: No further relaxations just yet (Updated)

No further relaxations of the coronavirus measures are expected, a health ministry official said after members of the scientific advisory committee evaluated the current epidemiological picture in Cyprus with Health Minister Michalis Hadjipandelas on Monday.

The possibility of further relaxations will be reviewed in two weeks, health ministry spokesman Constantinos Athanasiou said after the meeting was completed.

Experts agree that while the number of cases remains high, the number of hospitalisations is manageable, averaging to about 100 Covid patients daily.

The spokesman added that the team submitted its suggestions to the minister, who in turn will submit them to the council of ministers on Tuesday for approval.

Some members of the committee were reported to be in favour of small relaxations, including doing away with mandatory outdoor masking, reducing testing frequency and relaxing some SafePass requirements.

Others believe the number of cases is very high, therefore they argue new relaxations will give the impression that the pandemic is ending, which is not the case.

Following a recommendation by the vaccination advisory body last week, the administration of a fourth dose of the vaccine to those aged 70 and over and the immunocompromised is expected to be approved.