Rising COVID-19 cases in Cyprus have prompted the implementation of mandatory face masks and 48-hour tests for staff and visitors at hospitals, nursing homes, and dental clinics, with an emphasis on protecting the country’s elderly population. Health Minister Popi Kanari attributes the increased infection rate to the prevalence of the JN.1 sub-strain of the Omicron-2 variant although not currently in an epidemiological wave phase. Weekly inspections and testing will reinstate in care homes with just 18% of the elderly population vaccinated so far. The new measures require a negative rapid or PCR test, valid for 48 hours, for all visits to healthcare facilities and care homes by anyone aged 12 and above. Growing cases of respiratory infections, particularly acute bronchiolitis, in children, have resulted in high occupancy rates in pediatric hospitals.
The EURUSD currency pair remains in a tight range above the 1.0900 support level on Monday as it struggles for direction. Investors seek fresh cues at the start of a busy data week, which may indicate how much the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates in September.
