It was not clear whether, like schools, the measure would be voluntary or whether it would be made mandatory or whether it would apply only to work hours.

The ministry said consultations would be taking places with the competent ministries and services, a statement issued after the cabinet meeting said. After that, an implementation date would be announced.

It was also decided that from January 28, children aged 2-5 should undergo a weekly rapid test for attendance in kindergartens and pre-primary schools. It will be free under the health ministry’s programme.

Also from January 28, rapid tests can substitute for PCR tests on the 7th day for the early release of close contacts undergoing ten days of self-isolation.

The latter excludes health professionals working in private and public hospitals, closed structures and nursing homes.

In schools, test to stay for students who are close contacts can also use a rapid test for release  on the 7th day.

This means that students who use the measure from Monday, January 24, 2022, will have to undergo a rapid test for a period of seven days through the free testing sites and those operating in schools.

All other existing measures are to stay in place until February 17.

At Wednesday’s meeting, Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantelas presented the latest suggestions of the scientific team and where the latest data was analysed.

“In the last few days, a steady course of epidemiological indicators has been recorded with the number of daily cases showing a decrease,” the ministry said.

“There is still no room for complacency,” it added. “There needs to be constant vigilance by all for the faithful observance of the health protocols”.

According to the data, from January 15 to 21, there were 13,997 positives recorded across the island. This represented decreases in all ages groups, it added.

“The guiding principle is always the safest operation of society, with the aim of protecting and safeguarding the health of all citizens.”

The cabinet was also due on Wednesday to discuss whether or not to lift a ban on dancing at nightclubs and at weddings as a small, first step in easing restrictive measures.

However, nothing was announced in this regard.

Neither was anything announced in relation to a fourth Covid jab for vulnerable groups, although reportedly it too was on the agenda for discussions on Wednesday.

As expected, there were no proposals to ease restrictions for the non-vaccinated.

Source: Cyprus Mail