Coronavirus: Infected people boarded planes to Cyprus, health minister says

The government mandated PCR tests for travellers prior to their trip after some 70 people with Covid symptoms had boarded flights to Cyprus, Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantelas said on Thursday.

“Unfortunately, a lot of people boarded planes while positive,” the minister told Alpha television. “We afforded people the opportunity to return to Cyprus for the holidays” and unfortunately some people exploited this “and two days ago we had 70 people travelling while positive.”

The minister said it was discovered after scientists analysed the PCR test results from passenger tests.

“This is unacceptable,” he said. “What could we do? Have five 10 people positive on the aeroplane and transmitting the virus to others travelling with them?”

Hadjipantelas said the extra PCR test was designed to stop those who are positive to board planes to Cyprus.