Eight enclaved Greek Cypriots living in Turkish occupied Rizokarpaso area, who tested positive for COVID-19, are in good health and six of them have been transfered, on their own will, to the government-controlled areas of the Republic were they are monitored by the Health Ministry, Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou has told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).

The two first COVID-19 cases were traced on Friday in Rizokarpaso school and concerned a teacher and a cleaner. After that all teachers and pupils as well as their contacts were tested. The two patients decided to be quarantined in the occupied areas, while the other six in the government-controlled areas of the Republic. Some were admitted in EDEN resort in Terseafanou.

Photiou also said that the health of the baby who tested positive for COVID-19 and was treated at Makario hospital is good.

Schools in Rizokarpaso – the nursery school, the primary school,  the secondary school and the lyceum – will be closed this week and online education will be provided.

Photiou also noted that the illegal regime in the Turkish occupied areas was expected to carry out tests in Rizokarpaso area, adding that he is in contact with the community leaders of the occupied villages of Karpasia, who live in the government controlled areas, as well as with the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus.

Photiou said that tests were done in Kormakitis as well, where 6 positive cases were traced. Patients are treated in the government-controlled areas.

As regards a decision taken by the “minister of health” of the puppet regime for people to show a negative PCR  test done during the last 24 hours in order to be able to pass to the occupied areas, the Commissioner said that this measure hinders the crossings of teachers as well of those living in Kato Pyrgos who travel to Nicosia through the occupied areas.

He said that he talked with the UN in Cyprus which will discuss the issue with the “health ministry” in the occupied areas in order to find a solution.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.