Seven more new Covid-19 cases were confirmed on Sunday, the health ministry announced, bringing the total number islandwide to 39.
The latest cases concern five persons who were in self-isolation after returning from the UK and contacted the authorities after presenting symptoms. The other two cases concern persons who were self-isolated after coming in contact with a confirmed Covid-19 case.
The health ministry’s epidemiology unit has already started tracing their contacts to be also tested.
In total 12 cases have been confirmed over the weekend. Five coronavirus cases were detected on Saturday with one being a 70-year-old patient at Paphos general hospital, forcing authorities to shut it down for 48 hours.
There are now 33 confirmed cases in the government-controlled areas and six in the north.
All visits to patients in state hospitals have been banned after the 70-year-old man who was at the Paphos general hospital tested positive to Covid-19 after being visited by relatives arriving from the UK.
State health services organisation Okypy announced that given the increase in Covid-19 cases, it was imposing a ban on visits to inpatients in state hospitals and health centres.
The move aims at protecting everyone’s health, Okypy said, “of inpatients but also health professionals and other hospital staff.”
The Paphos hospital’s director, Dr Spyros Georgiou, told the Cyprus News Agency that the man has been an inpatient since February 3. He was recently moved to the intensive care unit after his condition deteriorated and was tested positive for Covid-19 after being visited by relatives from the UK.
Okypy said the Paphos hospital would close for 48 hours for disinfection whereas all staff and patients who may have come in contact with the 70-year-old are being tested for Covid-19.
All staff and patients are being examined for symptoms.
Paphos residents in need of urgent treatment will be referred to the private sector. All scheduled appointments, admissions and surgeries have been cancelled.
Okypy urged patients to go to the state hospitals’ accident and emergency departments only if it is absolutely necessary. Persons who have recently arrived from countries with Covid-19 cases and present mild symptoms are urged not to go the A&Es but remain at home and call 1420 for instructions.
