Masks may make a comeback as Covid cases continue to rise

The legally-enforced wearing of masks in some closed spaces may be reintroduced in Cyprus, as Covid-19 cases continue to rise, sources said on Wednesday.

According to sources close to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Health Minister Popi Kanari is set to ask the Scientific Monitoring Committee their opinions on the current epidemiological situation later in the afternoon.

Among those opinions, it is reported, is the issue of “revoking the decision on non-mandatory wearing of masks in certain areas”.

It is believed that the government may seek to enforce the wearing of masks in nursing homes, as the rise in the number of hospital admissions in Covid-19 is largely fuelled by nursing home residents.

Additionally, it is believed that the government may issue a “strong recommendation for the wearing of masks” in crowded indoor spaces.

At the same time, the health ministry is reportedly looking into the possibility of opening free rapid test centres at central points of shopping malls and supermarkets.

Meanwhile, health services encouraged the public to get vaccinated with the latest updated coronavirus jab, available without appointment at all health facilities, as well as pharmacies.

Health services organisation (Okypy) head Pambos Charilaou, on Tuesday said that around 70 people are currently being treated in hospital, of whom three were in intensive care and out of danger.

Charilaou had noted that the majority of those hospitalised had not received a Covid-19 jab during the autumn months, which had seen a disappointing vaccination uptake rate, and may have caught the virus during the holiday period, when people were more frequently mixing in close quarters.

He also said that most of those admitted are aged between 75 and 80 years old, and mainly coming from nursing homes.

Kanari will convene with the members of the Covid-19 scientific advisory committee in the afternoon.