Coronavirus: 92 cases found at Nicosia slaughterhouse (updated)

A Nicosia slaughterhouse has recorded 92 coronavirus cases after 146 tests were carried out on staff, the health ministry said on Saturday.

The outbreak is “extremely worrying” and “demonstrates the incorrect application of the relevant health protocols and the violation of protection measures in several cases,” Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou said in a written statement.

The tests were carried out by a private laboratory after three veterinary officers who are health inspectors at the slaughterhouse tested positive for coronavirus on Friday.

According to the ministry, the slaughterhouse will remain closed.

The priority of the health services is to identify and isolate the cases and their contacts to curb the spread of the virus, Ioannou added.

Cyprus’ strategy during the pandemic “is based more on cooperation than enforcement” the minister added.

“Unfortunately, in many cases, despite the constant consultations, appeals, instructions, facilitations and warnings, there is unforgivable indifference.”

The minister reiterated the need to observe all health protocols.

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