Coronavirus: More than 100 people in army have Covid

More than 100 members of the national guard have tested positive for coronavirus, while more are in self-isolation as close contacts, the defence ministry said on Friday.

Some 135 people tested positive in the national guard, including 62 soldiers, spokesman of the Defence Ministry Christos Pieri told the Cybc.

Another 142 people, including 79 soldiers are self-isolating after being identified as close contacts.

“We hope that no cases will result from those [people],” Pieri said.

According to Pieri, everyone who enters the military camps is screened for temperature while the majority must also present a weekly negative coronavirus test.

Shifts and exercises are also carried out in small groups, to limit close contacts, the spokesman added.

Since the beginning of the rapid testing at camps, 212 people have tested positive from approximately 52,000 tests.

Vaccinations also started last week for those wishing to receive a coronavirus jab, as the national guard was said to be a critical sector and may get vaccinated regardless of the age groups hierarchy set by the health ministry.