The COVID-19 situation in Cyprus could get out of control at any moment, Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou said. “Judging from the information I received today, the situation is extremely complicated and may cease to be manageable at any moment,” the official said.

According to Ioannou, the Cypriot health system has been “under suffocating pressure” in recent days, with the number of coronavirus patients in hospitals exceeding 150, in intensive care units approaching 60. “We are approaching the red line of the system’s capacity, both in terms of infrastructure and human resources,” the minister stated.

According to Constantinos Ioannou, the health care system’s capacity to serve those infected with the coronavirus, including the creation of new hospital beds, will inevitably be exhausted. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 standoff is limiting the ability to adequately treat patients with other diseases.

“The next few days are critical. We must try to stop the virus from spreading. This is the only way to keep the situation under control,” Ioannou said. He urged citizens to strictly observe personal hygiene measures and reduce contacts as much as possible. The minister recalled that positive results from the vaccination of the population will not be achieved immediately, and until then, everyone will have to “remain vigilant to prevent the worst”.