We are taking into consideration the end of pandemic study, but need to remain vigilant, Prof. Karayiannis tells CNA
The study conducted by the Singapore University of Technology and Design on the end of the pandemic in Cyprus on May 25th is seriously taken into consideration, but we need to remain focused and vigilant and follow the instructions and all protective measures, Professor Petros Karayannis had told the Cyprus News Agency.
Invited to comment on the study he said that it is a serious one by a reputable University which uses a mathematical model of equation and specific variables such as the percentage of the vulnerable population, those who got infected and those who recovered. He stressed that the conditions of each country are taken into account, such as restrictive measures, compliance by the citizens and number of intensive care units.
"For Cyprus, the study predicted that the peak was at the beginning of April, and indeed we did see that. Then end of April we started seeing a downward trend with one digit number in cases and around 24th of May the scientists predict we will be ‘virus fee’”, he said.
Professor Karagiannis said that these news are encouraging and bring optimism, but in no case should we be complacent. He called on people to strictly obey the rules and take all protective measures. He also clarified that this is a purely mathematical model which is constantly updated when data change.
"We hope it will be verified, but the vigilance should continue ", he stressed.
He said that next week the Epidemiological Team should probably meet again with President of the Republic to assess the situation before the second phase of the relaxation of the measures. He also said that beginning of next week we should be able to assess the situation as regards the cases following the lifting of the measures and added that he is hopeful that the numbers of new cases will still be low.
CNA - Kyriaki Christodoulou