Coronavirus: Over 83,000 people have taken rapid tests

Over 83,000 people have been tested with antigen rapid tests in the past couple of weeks, as part of the government’s strategy to carry out screenings in the general population, the health ministry said on Wednesday.

The ministry said 1,438 people, or 1.7 per cent, tested positive for coronavirus out 83,095 tested.

In a statement, the ministry said 69,387 people were tested between November 16 and December 1.

An additional 13,708 tests were conducted in care homes, rehabilitation centres, the National Guard, and among health professionals.

Rapid testing allows health authorities to get a snapshot of the epidemiological condition in communities and roll out measures where necessary.

Most of the tests were carried out in Nicosia, 31,385, with 566 cases detected. In Limassol 13,944 tests were conducted, with 258 people testing positive; 13,539 were tested in Larnaca with 335 positives; 5,640 in Paphos with 64, and 4,879 in Famagusta with 138.

Health authorities also tested 1,662 people in care homes, finding 24 positives, 6,483 military personnel with 19 cases, and 5,563 health professionals with 34 cases.

Mobile testing units will continue testing people on Thursday.

In Limassol, units will be located at the church of Apostolos Andreas and Timiou Prodromou in Mesa Yitonia between 8.30am and 4.30pm, and Panayia Havouza, Polemidhia between 8am and 5pm.

Larnaca: Sklavenitis supermarket parking lot, Spyros Kyprianou Avenue, 8.30am to 5pm, Economides parking lot, Lord Byron Street next to Public, 8.30am and 5pm, and Anafotia community surgery, 8.30am and 5pm.

Nicosia: Lakatamia town hall, sheltered parking lot, south side, 9.30am and 5pm, Strovolos town hall, 9.30am to 5pm, state fairgrounds, east entrance, 9.30am to 5pm, Prodromos Avenue post office, Strovolos, 8.30am to 5pm, and Panayia Evengelistria church, Palouriotissa, 9am to 5pm.

Paphos: Town hall, 8.30am to 5pm, and King’s Avenue Mall, 9.30am to 5pm.

Famagusta: Ayios Georgios Square, Paralimni, 8.30am to 5pm.

Results can be sent by text within 24 hours of the test, but also in writing from the mobile unit within 30 minutes.

 

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