TRNC beef up precautionary measure against the spread of coronavirus in the country

Precautions against the possible spread of deadly coronavirus to North Cyprus have been “beefed up” at the country’s seaports – after claims were made of “verbal abuse” towards a TRNC-born Chinese child. 

Thermal imaging cameras have now been installed at Gazimağusa and Girne harbours for ferry passengers, a Health Ministry statement said yesterday, following the introduction of such cameras at Ercan airport last week.

TRNC Health Minister Ali Pilli had admitted during a TV interview earlier in the week that the seaports lacked the screening technology,

A passenger ship comes to Gazimağusa port five times a week, while the general cargo ship does eight [journeys] in a week, he had said.

In Girne, a passenger ship comes five times a week and precautions will be taken and beefed up at these places too.

Dr Pilli, who also inspected a 10-bed capacity quarantine centre set up at Lefkoşa State Hospital’s Neurology and Oncology, said that the special cameras installed can identify people with a fever above 38C, triggering a “signal”.

If people are identified [as being potential coronavirus carriers], they and the medical officers are given masks and suits to wear and are then taken to the isolation room for a pre-check, before then being taken to the quarantine centre by an ambulance which is on standby at the airport, Dr Pilli explained.

We have met with the Public Works and Transport Ministry and requested that we should be informed . . . of suspected [infected] passengers by the captain.

Cyprus  Today