The Turkish Cypriot side will receive the first batch of the Pfizer/ BioNTech vaccine for COVID-19 on Monday morning, allowing for the inoculation of 1,000 people, Leonidas Phylactou, the Greek Cypriot Head of the bicommunal Technical Committee on Health, told CNA. Vaccines, procured by the Republic of Cyprus through the EU, will be delivered to the Turkish Cypriot side at the Agios Dometios crossing point, at 8.30am (local time).

Phylactou explained that only the first 1,000 doses will be delivered on Monday for technical reasons, as vaccines need to be constantly stored at -70 degrees Celsius and there is no appropriate equipment for transportation. The remaining 1,000 doses will be stored appropriately, until the time for the second inoculation comes, he added. They may be delivered earlier to the Turkish Cypriots, if appropriate transportation is found, Phylactou said.

According to Phylactou, all necessary preparations have been made through the Technical Committee on Health, including a review of inoculation protocols, a vaccination plan, vaccination procedures, transportation issues, training for those who will administer the vaccine in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus.

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