Cypriots Get Hurt More, But Overeat Less During Easter

During this year’s Easter celebrations in Cyprus, emergency departments reported an increase in injuries — but, interestingly, there were no cases of overeating.

Haralambos Harilaou, spokesperson for the State Health Services Organization (OKYPY), said that public hospital emergency units (TAEP) saw a noticeable rise in patient numbers over the holidays.

"Aside from the usual daily incidents, we treated more minor injuries than normal — things like cuts and burns from collecting firewood or setting off firecrackers," said Harilaou.

The influx was also partly due to many private doctors being on holiday, meaning TAEP medical staff carried the full weight of urgent care.

Among the most serious incidents was a 24-year-old man from Larnaca who suffered an injury resulting in a partial amputation. He was transferred to Nicosia General Hospital for treatment. Sadly, another young man, aged 22, died after falling from a pile foundation.

On a brighter note, for the first time in recent memory, no cases of overeating were reported during Easter. However, there were a few instances of gastroenteritis, likely caused by spoiled or improperly stored food.

Just days earlier, it was reported that Cypriots had consumed around 2,400 tonnes of meat worth nearly €18 million over the Easter period. On average, each resident ate about one kilogram of lamb.