The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic may have far-reaching social consequences, from stopping the handshaking habit to living with social distancing for a long time, says Dr. Marios Loizou, a member of the COVID-19 advisory medical panel.
The habit of handshaking is one of the biggest causes of spreading the disease, he adds.
The most significant threat is people who are asymptomatic. It would be virtually impossible to test the entire population, although proportionally Cyprus has tested a higher percentage of its population than many countries, says Dr. Loizou.
This means that most of the population remains untested.
As of April 14, there are 695 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in government-controlled areas, said the medical panel.
Most of the cases were caused by a lack of self-isolation and asymptomatic carriers, said Dr. Professor Leontios Kostrikis.
In Aradippou, Larnaca, a Zorbas Bakery factory was shut down after 16 workers tested positive for COVID-19. The workers lived in the same apartment building and did not self-isolate, possibly spreading hundreds of new infections to the bakery’s customers and employees.
People who are asymptomatic have a personal responsibility to distance themselves from other people, washing their hands frequently and avoiding touching their face. In this way, they will avoid spreading COVID-19, urges the medical panel.
COVID-19 infects the economy
The government’s fiscal support to the economy is estimated to reach 5.4 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In 2018, Cyprus’ GDP was around 23 billion Euros, putting the fiscal support at around 1.15 billion Euros.
Support measures include payroll subsidies for companies forced to suspend their operations during the pandemic. All of the tourist industry has shut down and its recovery is expected to be slow given the fact that the pandemic has closed borders for the foreseeable future.
The health sector is to receive around 100 million Euros to strengthen its intensive care capacity.
The situation is very difficult and the state does not have unlimited resources, said Finance Ministry Petrides after a meeting with President Anastasiades.
The main priority is to act responsibly and get through the most difficult period by showing maximum responsibility and unity towards EU policies, said Minister Petrides.
Government guarantees for lending to businesses and households are another tool that can be used, he added.
Cyprus has taken drastic measures to protect national health and this will show during the gradual opening of the island’s economic sectors, he said.
Justice system
After Easter, the Supreme Court is to release details of its plan to handle delayed cases due to COVID-19.
Methods of making the court system more productive are being examined, said the Supreme Court in a statement.
Education
Schools and universities are being urged to find ways to deliver tests to students in accordance with European standards.
Adapt
It’s clear that there’s a massive adaptation underway, from avoiding handshakes to boosting online education.
Adaptation may be the best way to survive the pandemic. Instead of shaking hands, we could put our hand on our heart to indicate a warm greeting. Palms clasped in front of the forehead or chest is another way to indicate respect for those we’re meeting in person.
Instead of seeing the lockdowns as a temporary thing to suffer through, social distancing could move people closer with virtual meetings. A lunch meeting held online is just as good for a relationship as one held in person.
In short, digitalise as much as possible, from state operations to daily interactions.
We’d love to hear your ideas for the best way to cope with the lockdowns. Send in your feedback to [email protected].
Stay safe, stay home.
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