About 3500 tests have been carried out at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (CING) by Sunday, its director Leonidas Phylactou told CyBC TV on Monday.

He said this number is among the highest in the world proportionate to the size of the population.

Phylactou said that CING has been strengthened, both in terms of equipment and the number of people carrying out the tests and work was proceeding well.

CING was up to date with all tests, carrying out those sent to it the same day and there is no backlog or delay, he added.

He was asked to comment on the increase in the number of confirmed cases — there are currently 95 plus two which are still subject to confirmation.

“Yes it is true that there is an increase in the number of confirmed cases. But we should note that there is also an increase in the number of tests,” he said.

The World Health Organisation has urged countries to step up testing so as to have a clear picture of the spread of the Covid-19 in their communities and be able to isolate and treat those infected.

Cyprus so far has three cases which are considered of ‘unclear origin’ — that is that they neither individuals who flew in from abroad or others who came into contact with confirmed cases.

Phylactou, who is also co-chair of the bicommunal technical committee on health, said the Turkish Cypriot members have asked for help to supply medicine to Turkish Cypriots that they usually obtain from the government controlled areas. As checkpoints are closed, they are unable to cross the Green Line to get this medication.

In cooperation with Interior Minister Nicos Nouris, efforts are underway to make these arrangements.