The situation is stabilizing and a drop in the number of daily confirmed cases is expected, member of the scientific team, professor of microbiology and molecular virology at the Medical School of the University of Cyprus, Dr. Petros Karayiannis has told CNA, noting that any decision regarding measures during the Christmas holidays will be last minute ones, depending on the epidemiological data.

Dr. Karayiannis said one should wait another two or three days to determine if the situation has indeed stabilized, adding that a drop is expected following the strict measures imposed.

Asked if there would be any additional measures over Christmas, Dr. Karayniannis said this would be a last-minute decision.

“Looking at our epidemiological picture at this moment, I don’t think additional measures will be taken, because our numbers are not rising. If they did rise, it would be difficult to loosen measures and maybe stricter ones would be necessary. We don’t see this, so I believe that if there is a drop in cases over the next days, we should be careful how and when to make any laxing of measures during the Christmas period,” he pointed out.

Dr. Karayiannis called on the public to be especially careful and observe the protocols for gatherings of friends and family.

Replying to questions, he said the Health System was still holding. He also noted that the increase in deaths over the past few days was due to the fact that the coronavirus had spread to retirement homes.

Furthermore, Dr. Karayiannis said the special fridges were expected to arrive over the next few days and that everything would be ready to begin vaccinations in early January. He pointed out, however, that thins would not be back to normal overnight and that those vaccinated would need a month to build up antibodies, while there would be a three-week gap between the first and second dose. He also said it would take about six months to complete the vaccination programme.