The health ministry on Monday urged people to stick to the same social distancing bubbles as regards the rule setting a maximum of ten people for gatherings at homes.
It said that over the Christmas period, people had complied, keeping the number of people at houses to 10, but groups had differed every time, which ran against the basic thinking of keeping the same contacts and carried risks of spreading the virus.
The rule was imposed according to the recommendations of the European centre for disease prevention (ECDC) focusing on the reduction of contacts which is achieved through the creation of bubbles.
A bubble is a form of socialisation recommended by international epidemiologists during the coronavirus pandemic, where citizens are urged to socialise only within the same small group of people.
If all members of the group abide by that rule and do not come in contact with others, socialisation is considered much safer.
The current period is particularly difficult, with the health system under considerable strain as a result of an increase in the number of hospital admissions the ministry said, adding that the next few weeks will be decisive as regards the ability of the health system to cope.
“Citizens’ contribution and careful behaviour and implementation of the relevant protocols by all society is needed, primarily a reduction in the number of contacts so that health professionals can help Covid-19 patients who may need hospital treatment,” the ministry said.
Source: Cyprus Mail
