In Cyprus, wearing masks and undergoing tests will be mandatory, but not everywhere yet

Cypriot healthcare professionals have implemented a series of measures to combat the increasing cases of Covid-19. Negative Covid tests and the use of masks have been made compulsory in nursing homes, hospitals, outpatient clinics, dental offices, and institutions catering to vulnerable groups.

This decision was made yesterday evening during a meeting of the scientific advisory committee on Covid-19 under the guidance of Health Minister Popi Kanari.

These measures are a response to the rising number of cases and hospitalizations. According to experts, the Omicron 2 subvariants, especially JN.1, have currently reached an outbreak status in Cyprus.

According to the healthcare decision, negative rapid tests or PCR tests taken within 48 hours will be mandatory for visiting nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, dentists, and any closed institutions providing assistance to vulnerable population groups. These rules apply to all citizens aged 12 and above.

Employees of all mentioned institutions will also be required to wear masks. It is expected that these two measures will be officially confirmed by a decision of the Council of Ministers on Thursday.

In addition, the scientific advisory committee recommended mandatory mask-wearing for all infected individuals and vaccination for all employees working with vulnerable groups and the elderly.