Cyprus’ Ministry of Health is increasing the number of random tests for COVID-19 at the airports of the Republic.

According to a Ministry’s press release, 600 passengers will be tested upon their arrival in Cyprus, instead of 300 that was the case until now.

As it is noted, the decision was taken following the recommendations of the Scientific Advisory Committee and at the initiative of the Minister of Health Constantinos Ioannou. It was decided in cooperation with the Minister of Transport to increase the number of tests for passengers of flights from Category A and B countries, the press release says.

The Ministry of Health has also adopted the suggestion of members of the Scientific Advisory Committee to increase the number of lower cost diagnostic tests, in order to maximize the number of people who will participate in it. The proposal, notes the Ministry of Health, has been forwarded to the competent departments for the appropriate actions and its implementation is expected within the next few days.

According to the Ministry, the aim is to ensure that imported infections are detected on time, thus allowing better management of these individuals and reducing the possibility of transmission of the virus in the community, while maintaining the same positive levels of epidemiological indicators.

It is also noted that the data recorded will be used for the categorization of the countries from which passengers arrive in Cyprus.