The Cyprus pharmaceutical association (CPA) said on Saturday it “welcomes” the reintroduction of mandatory testing for Covid-19 to enter certain spaces.

Health Minister Popi Kanari had said on Friday that “everyone who enters hospitals, nursing homes, closed spaces [providing care to vulnerable groups], doctors’ offices, and dentists’ offices” will have to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 48 hours of their visit, and the CPA also encouraged the general public to take further precautions.

They said people should wear protective masks and adhere to social distancing procedures while visiting pharmacies.

With this in mind, they also noted an increased footfall at pharmacies in recent days, with more people taking Covid-19 rapid antigen tests.

They added that a growing number of people are testing positive for the virus during these tests.

“People dealing with colds and other seasonal infections may also visit pharmacies to obtain medication. In these cases, masks are also necessary to prevent the transmission of harmful germs,” they said.

In addition, they expressed their readiness to take part in the Covid-19 vaccination process, to increase the number of people receiving booster vaccines as case numbers rise.

“Pharmacists have the experience and the appropriate education and training to administer vaccinations in local pharmacies and help towards a more rapid vaccination coverage among the general population,” they said.

They added, “we are ready to consult [with the government] on providing this service to the general public, with the aim of reducing inconvenience they face in arranging appointments and receiving both influenza and Covid-19 vaccines.”

To this end, they said that the administering of vaccines at pharmacies “is a practice followed in many countries in the European Union and internationally.”

They added that this “ensures the maximum compliance of the public and the fastest possible outlay of vaccinations.”

“This is why we believe pharmacies should not be excluded, and that the necessary arrangements should be made so that pharmacies can offer this service as well, and the decision will be in the public’s hands as to where they will be vaccinated,” they said.