Nicosia, 14 July 2022 (MIA) — After reinstating the indoor mask mandate last week and enforcing it with EUR 300 fines to respond to the SARS-CoV-2 infections surging in Cyprus, the Ministry of Health said Thursday that all citizens regardless of their vaccination status should test for the coronavirus once a week either using a PCR or a rapid antigen test. According to MIA’s Athens correspondent, health authorities recommended that people test for SARS-CoV-2 especially before and after visiting crowded places. They said the surge of infections was fueled by the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, now dominant in the country. The Cyprus government has also limited the number of visitors to hospitalized patients or nursing home residents. As of July 18, hospitalized patients or nursing home residents may receive a maximum of two visitors a day. The visitors need to show proof of a negative SARS-CoV-2 test. In addition, fourth vaccine doses will be made available to people with weakened immune systems who are at least five months out from their last booster shot. The protective measures were proposed by Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela in consultation with leading Cypriot epidemiologists. mr/