Coronavirus: Minister says we will take a step towards normality tomorrow

From tomorrow Cyprus will take a step towards the return to more normal rhythms of social and economic activity, Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou said on Sunday.

“This step is the result of many months of sacrifices for which we owe a debt to all citizens, both individually and as a whole,” he added.

The huge effort to face the crisis has reached a critical point, the minister continued in a written statement.

“Fifteen months after the appearance of the virus, it has shown that it is unpredictable. We are confident that we can face it by respecting simple health rules and being vaccinated”.

These are the two weapons we have and with them we can take the next step, the minister continued. By following protocols, taking tests and getting the vaccine, Cyprus can take an important step to exit uncertainty, the minister said.

“I want to assure every citizen that we are working day and night under especially difficult circumstances to face this unprecedented test,” the minister said.

“An effort that is not without mistakes, for which I express regret. We take strength from the results, that have put Cyprus among the countries with the lowest death rates and smallest periods of lockdown”.

The epidemiological picture is not ideal and the minister said he did not intend to talk it up. It has improved enough however to allow restrictions to be lifted and social activity to be restored.

“I call on all citizens, political forces, the business world, social partners, organised groups, and each individual to continue the effort to emerge victorious,” he added. “From tomorrow, our daily lives will begin to improve. We do not want to take another step backwards. We cannot afford such a thing. We owe it to our country and to our conscience.”