Nicosia [Cyprus], December 11 (ANI/Sputnik): The first three cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant were identified in the coastal city of Limassol in Cyprus, the ministry of health said.

"Three cases of the Omicron variant were identified by the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics," the ministry said in a statement on Friday.

Also Read | US Tornado: At Least 4 Dead in Windstorm; Amazon Warehouse Roof Collapses in Illinois.

All three cases emerged in people who had travelled abroad. None of the infected required hospitalizations, the ministry added.

On December 2, Cyprus introduced mandatory COVID-19 testing of all passengers over the age of 12 arriving to Cyprus, even if they hold a valid vaccination certificate, in a bid to prevent the Omicron spread of the strain on the island.

Also Read | Christmas Traditions Around the World: From Bad Santa in Austria to Steamy Sauna in Finland, As You Celebrate December 25, 2021, Know Weirdest X-Mas Celebrations.

The island is currently facing a surge in infections with over 15,000 infected as of Friday. Over 48 per cent of the entire population is fully vaccinated. (ANI/Sputnik)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)