More than 500 new Covid-19 cases were reported in school units in the last week, creating small transmission chains, the Cyprus News Agency reported on Friday.

Since Monday, around 500 cases were confirmed in 288 schools, although this is not a cause for concern, according to experts, as they were expecting an increase with the start of the new school year and the lifting the mask restrictions.

Health ministry mobile units visited two schools on Friday and conducted Rapid Tests to effectively monitor the spread of the virus.

The mobile units will visit more schools next week for further testing to meet the ministry’s aim of carrying out 5,000 rapid tests monthly to monitor the virus’ spread.

Communications adviser to the minister of health Constantinos Athanasiou told CNA that the increased number of cases at schools is being monitored and where transmission chains are detected, there will be targeted monitoring.

If necessary the relevant actions will be taken, he said.