An increase in new cases of COVID-19 in Cyprus has put the country’s exit from lockdown in doubt – Health Minister Konstantinos Ioannou is holding emergency meetings to discuss the problem and how to deal with it, CNA reports.

In mid-February, Cyprus recorded a double-digit daily incidence of coronavirus for the first time in many months. Statistics in recent days, however, are less optimistic: 199 cases on 25 February, 272 on 26 February, 243 on 27 February, 283 on 28 March and over 300 on 1 March.

The head of the Ministry of Health is discussing the situation today with the leadership of the State Health Organisation (OKYPY) and members of the Presidential Epidemiological Advisory Council. According to the Reporter, no decisions have been taken yet, but a further lifting of restrictions, which was scheduled for 16 March, has been thrown into considerable doubt and it is possible that some measures that have been cancelled will return.