Press Releases

Following the recommendation of the Scientific Advisory Committee for the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the Ministry of Health informs that given the current epidemiological situation, with effect as of today, 28 December 2020, the positive SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection tests carried out by the mobile units of the Ministry of Health are considered positive and do not need confirmation by the molecular method (RT-PCR), due to their high positive prediction value.

Citizens with a positive result in a rapid antigen test will receive the self-isolation instructions for confirmed COVID-19 cases on the same day, via a text message. At the same time, the virus-positive person should initially inform his/her close contacts to self-isolate until the Epidemiological Monitoring Unit contacts them, and complete a list with the details of his/her close contacts, and send it to email address: contacttracing@moh.gov.cy.

Finally, persons declared as close SARS-CoV-2 positive contacts should automatically self-isolate and await the instructions on close case contacts via a text message sent by the EMU. The message shall be received within 24 hours after the list with the details of the close contacts is sent to the Unit by the person found positive. 

In the case of positive to SARS-CoV-2 persons, as well as that of close contacts, the text message is considered official and citizens have an obligation to immediately self-isolate. Those positive should inform their contacts and adhere to the relevant instructions.

(EK/MPO)