Over 83,000 Cypriots took part in a mass drive of rapid antigen tests for Covid-19 in the last two weeks, the Ministry of Health has said.

In particular, over 69,000 individuals across Cyprus were tested with the rapid antigen method between November 16 and December 1st, a Μinistry press release says on Wednesday.

In addition, 13,708 rapid tests were carried out in a targeted manner in homes for the elderly, rehabilitation centres and other such centres as well as on members of the National Guard and on health professionals.

This testing drive is carried out in the context of a government policy on increased tests for the general population, while using this method allows for a quick indication of the community`s epidemiological picture and taking steps where it is deemed necessary.

In particular, 31,385 rapid tests were carried out in Nicosia district with 566 people testing positive for Covid-19, 13,944 people were tested in Limassol district with 258 positive results, 13,339 individuals were tested in Larnaca district with 335 positive results, 5,640 people were tested in Pafos with 64 positive results and 4,879 individuals were tested in Famagusta district with 138 positive results.

At the same time, 1,662 people were tested in homes for the elderly with 24 positive results, 6,483 individuals were tested in the National Guard with 19 positive results and 5,563 health professionals were tested with 34 positive results.

In the meantime, in a message on Twitter Minister of Health Constantinos Ioannou notes that “we are faced with a situation which is constantly changing and we are adapting our planning on the basis of the data.” “The EU sets out its policy ahead of the holidays with measures for the protection of citizens. Our health is a priority this Christmas,” he adds.