Head of the Scientific Committee on the pandemic Dr Constantinos Tsioutis told the Cyprus News Agency that if relaxations of restrictive measures take place rapidly, we might be faced with a surge in cases.
Speaking to the Agency on Monday, following a meeting of the Committee with President Anastasiades, Tsioutis noted that any lifting of the measures should happen aimfully and gradually and with a thorough assessment. He pointed out that we must be extremely careful on deciding which places to open, adding that places of mass gathering should remain closed at this stage. He also said that movement of citizens should also remain limited.
Tsioutis noted that the Committee takes into consideration all social and psychological factors and citizens’ fatigue as well as the financial parameter, however all proposals and suggestions were based on the protection of the public health and the epidemiological figures.
The final decisions will be taken on Wednesday during a Cabinet’s meeting.
The Committee also expressed its concerns on the increased transmissibility of the new corona strain in EU member states.
Sources told the Agency that the lifting of the measures will be similar to May-June plan and the SMS for going outside will probably remain in place but the messages might increase to 3. Curfew and limits in house gatherings will also continue.
As regards the return of students to schools, there is a degree of concern and the Committee has two scenarios in mind, one provides for the return, at first, of elementary school students and the second for the return of secondary school final-year students who need to prepare for their final exams.
The final decision will be taken by the Education Ministry.
Regarding the opening of shopping malls and of establishments offering food, this is set to take place in the 2nd phase of the measures’ relaxation, beginning of March, given that the epidemiological data allow to do so. Gyms, dance schools and other establishments which remain closed will also resume operation in March.
The current measures were imposed January 10 until the end of Month.
