Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 15, 2024 4 months, 1 week, 3 days, 16 hours, 6 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: Summer Activities Drive COVID-19 Cases Upward
Cyprus is experiencing a significant rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations as summer social activities increase. Official data from the Health Ministry reveals a worrying trend: COVID-19 cases have climbed from 194 in the week ending June 2nd to 248 in the following week. However, the true number of infections is likely much higher due to the widespread practice of self-testing and underreporting. Many individuals who test positive on their own may not report their results unless they require medical attention, which is then documented by personal doctors.
Cyprus Reports Rising COVID-19 Infections and Hospitalizations
Hospital Admissions on the Rise
Hospital admissions for COVID-19 have also surged, with reports indicating five to six new patients being admitted daily across Cyprus. This marks a stark contrast to the previous two months, during which there were no significant hospitalizations. Recent official data confirms nine new admissions last week, including two cases requiring intensive care the week before.
Local
COVID-19 News coverages have also validated the rise in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations in Cyprus.
https://lenta.cy/na-ostrove-zafiksirovan-rost-chisla-sluchaev-covid-19/
https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/local/cyprus-records-summer-surge-in-covid-19-cases-as-social-activities-rise/
Dr Constantinos Tsioutis, an Assistant Professor in Pathology and Infection Control at the European University Cyprus emphasized the correlation between increased mobility and the spread of COVID-19. “Just like the rest of the world,” he stated, “Cyprus is experiencing its fifth summer with COVID-19. We know very well that transmission is directly linked to our mobility. It is no coincidence, therefore, that an increase in cases is observed every summer. More people are leaving their homes and coming into contact with others.”
Vigilance Remains Crucial
Dr Tsioutis stressed the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to protective measures. “The protective measures are well-known. Each of us has a responsibility to apply them to protect ourselves and those around us,” he said. He underscored the ongoing risk to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, chronically ill, and immunocompromised individuals. “We must remember that vulnerable groups of the population remain vulnerable, and we must take care of people who belong to these categories,” he added.
Unofficial Numbers Likely Higher
The Health Ministry's data provides a partial picture of the situation, as many cases go unreported. The reliance on self-testing means that the actual infection rate is p
otentially much higher. Many individuals who self-test positive may not report their results, although those needing specialized treatment are recorded by their personal doctors.
Increased Mobility Equals Higher Transmission
The link between increased social interaction during the summer months and the rise in COVID-19 cases is clear. Dr Tsioutis noted, “We know that transmission is directly related to our mobility. It is no coincidence that every summer there is an increase in the number of cases.” This pattern is not unique to Cyprus but is observed globally as people engage more in social activities during warmer months.
Predominant Circulating SARS-CoV-2 Variants Yet to Be Identified
There is no clue as to what SARS-CoV-2 variants are causing the start of a new COVID-19 surge in Cyprus as the country has been doing very little or no genomic sequencing in the last few months!
https://cov-spectrum.org/explore/Cyprus/AllSamples/Past6M/sequencing-coverage
Protective Measures Still Essential
As Cyprus navigates its fifth summer amidst the pandemic, the importance of maintaining protective measures cannot be overstated. Dr Tsioutis reiterated the need for constant attention to personal safety and compliance with health guidelines, especially for those in vulnerable groups.
In conclusion, the rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Cyprus serve as a reminder that the pandemic is far from over. The increase in social activities during summer months necessitates heightened vigilance and adherence to protective measures to safeguard public health, particularly for those most at risk.
For the latest
COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-hospital-consultations-and-emergency-department-caseloads-on-the-rise-in-france
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/more-than-20000-hospitalized-with-covid-19-in-russia
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/taiwan-faces-rising-covid-19-cases-with-328-new-cases-and-20-deaths-reported-for-last-week
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