The data so far indicate that the second phase of lifting the measures imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus can take place, Lecturer of Internal Medicine & Infection Prevention and Control at the European University of Cyprus, and member of the Scientific Commitee on the pandemic, Constantinos Tsioutis told CNA.
According to current data “we have no reason to believe this will not happen”, he added.
He pointed out the epidemiological picture remains in good, low levels. “ We are in the second week of the first phase of lifting the measures, and we have not seen any tendency for higher numbers, any outbreaks, the findings are positive”.
We are expecting to make a better evaluation about the course of the epidemic by the end of the week, so we can safely proceed to the second phase, Tsiotis added.
He also said the fact that there is increased mobility as resticitive measures have been relaxed, this creates the risk of seeing a rise in the number of confirmed cases.
The Scientific Committee has set a number of epidemiological indexes which will help it evaluate objectively the course of the epidemic and if some of these indexes are alarming, we will evaluate if some measures should be lifted or changed, Tsioutis added.
A decisive point in further lifting the measures, he said, will be Friday’s meeting of the Scientific committee with the President of the Republic which will evaluate the epidemiological picture and discuss in detail the measures of the second phase and if these can be implemented.
Tsioutis also said that in their majority, the people are disciplined, noting that many checks have taken place and a number of recommendations made but it looks like people are careful. The most important thing is for self-protection measures and keeping distances and frequent washing of hands.
He further said that schools are a sensitive area and special care is required.
Tsioutis said that it looks like the virus is not common among children as findings from overseas have also indicated. However, we have to continue the close monitoring and in the event some cases are detected or problems increase, the various procedures we have set will immediately come into effect to prevent the further transmission of the virus.
As regards the opening of airports and crossing points, Tsioutis said there is a big discussion about these issues at the Committee. Although the committee has not yet decided specific measures, it has prepared a map that includes procedures and protocols.
What we need to do, he added, is to learn how to live with the virus. “We have said this from the start. We have no reason to believe the virus will disappear in the summer or next winter so we have to implement all these measures under any circumstances.
He said the mathematical models and various scientific predictions show that most likely, in the fall there will be a new wave of not only coronavirus but also other viral infections, like every year.
“What we are doing now and what we are learning is strengthening our readiness for a second wave in the fall. It is difficult to predict size and extent but the good thing is that we will have a lot more experience and knowledge,” he added.
Asked if the epidemic will subside in the summer, he said there is no reason to believe that weather conditions will restrict the virus’ transmission.
The virus, he said, has indicated that it has a sensitivity to climatic conditions, according to experimental studies. However, we have no reason to believe that summer will change or affect the way the virus is spread.
