The multiple COVID -19 cases at nursing homes in the last days have sounded an alarm bell, the Spokesman of Cyprus’ State Health Services Organisation (SHSO) Charalambos Charilaou told the CNA.

In the past few weeks a relatively high number of elderly citizens from nursing homes in Limassol and Nicosia tested positive for COVID-19 and had to be admitted for treatment at the Famagusta Reference Hospital. According to Charilaou, an estimated 25% of the patients at the Reference Hospital, were residents at nursing homes.

He said that the Organisation is concerned from the rapid spread of COVID-19 in homes for the elderly and whenever a case is detected, a medical team is sent immediately for examination, assessment and directions. As regards the Kyperounda Home for the Elderly he said that one person was transferred to the Reference Hospital and at the same time personal protective equipment and staff from the Troodos Hospital was sent there.

Asked about the Timotheio Nursing Home in Nicosia, Charilaou told the CNA that one person is now getting treatment at the Reference Hospital and an ambulance was sent there last night to take 3 people to EDEN Rehab Center. However, according to Charilaou, the nursing home’s owner wanted all COVID-19 positive residents to be transferred and therefore the Organisation is making efforts to resolve the issue.

He noted that what must be clear to all and understood is that public hospitals cannot replace nursing homes and accommodate patients who test positive but do not require hospitalisation. COVID hospital beds are intended for those who need them, he pointed out.

Replying to another question Charilaou said that employees at nursing homes are generally more likely to spread the virus because they are active citizens and in addition to their place of work, they also live and move in the community.

He urged everyone to be vigilant and follow the protocols, adding that it is obvious that something has gone wrong, a chain was broken and as a result we are seeing all these cases lately.

SHSO Spokesperson told the CNA that right now there are around ten empty beds at the Reference Hospital, adding that Limassol General Hospital is on full alert in case of emergency, to admit patients.

He said that next week will be critical as cases which were detected last night will probably need to be hospitalised in the next seven to ten days.

Regarding the possibility of transferring doctors from abroad, Charilaou said that all countries are experiencing a lack of ICU doctors and have come up with a model where they place other specialties in ICUs, to assist, such as anesthesiologists, GPs, infectious disease specialists and cardiologists.

He said that in Cyprus, too, the number of ICU doctors is limited, and where there is a need for assistance there is a plan and certain training to be followed so they can be of help.

Our effort, if it is possible is to find doctors from other countries, he said.