Seven of Cyprus’ 21 confirmed coronavirus cases are from the same family and were detected as part of the Health Ministry’s contact tracing measures, officials said on Saturday.

The clinical condition of all 21 is fairly good, with all of them exhibiting mild symptoms, Health Ministry official Margarita Kyriakou told CyBC on Saturday.

Of the 21, five are in Famagusta Hospital at Paralimni which is the designated referral hospital for coronavirus cases. The hospital has been cleared and has 120 beds available for such cases.

The remaining 16 coronavirus patients are at home, in self-isolation, and are being monitored by Health Ministry medical professionals.

“The situation is under control and this is demonstrated by the large number of tests that have been carried out. Up until yesterday, a total of 900 tests were carried out which means that contacts of confirmed cases are being checked so as to prevent the virus spreading in the community,” she said.

She added that people were complying with instructions, self-monitoring and contacting authorities when they develop symptoms.

“This is certainly a difficult period for public health. And there will certainly be more cases in the next few days. What is important is that there is proper management,” she said.

Kyriakou said that a new call centre has been set up on 1450 to handle general queries on coronavirus, freeing 1420 to be used exclusively for those who have symptoms. Information is also available on line.

Three new thermal cameras are being installed at Larnaca and Paphos Airports so that all arriving passengers will be checked.

As from 1 am on March 15, entry to Cyprus is restricted to Cypriots and legal residents.