Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus health officials said recorded cases of influenza, Covid-19 and RSV are on a downward trend after peaking shortly after the Christmas holidays, with 32 deaths recorded over the winter.
Downward trend after winter peak
Health ministry deputy permanent secretary Elisavet Constantinou said during a visit to Nicosia general hospital that the expected annual peak occurred immediately after the Christmas holidays and that infection numbers are now declining. She said the number of people currently hospitalised with either influenza or Covid-19 was somewhat lower compared to the previous week.
Warning of possible rise and vaccination advice
Constantinou said infection numbers may rise again at the beginning of next month and suggested that vulnerable groups and the elderly get vaccinated if they have not already. She added that the spring wave of influenza and Covid-19 cases is usually milder than the first.
Hospitals described as manageable
Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides, who also visited Nicosia general hospital, said the situation at hospitals across Cyprus is manageable following the peak of the winter season and that no additional measures were currently needed to ensure the healthcare system’s functioning.
Emergency admissions and monitoring
Asked about increased admissions to accident and emergency units in recent weeks, Charalambides said it is a perennial challenge every winter season. He said recorded infections are approximately at the same levels as last year and possibly slightly lower. He added that the state health services organisation (Okypy) is managing the situation in the best possible way and that his ministry is informed almost daily about bed occupancy rates.
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