Cyprus' Health Minister has said that local authorities are on alert and are taking all necessary measures to combat swine flu.

Christos Patsalides noted that the in-effect plans include the monitoring of developments in neighbouring countries which are being constantly upgraded.

In reference to antiviral medicines, he said that the 62-thousand units currently in stock will be bolstered by another 22-thousand expected this coming week, resulting in public coverage being raised to 10%.

On a different note, and commenting on the reported incidence of legionnaire's disease bacteria in Nicosia General's Dental Clinic, he said that decontamination of the premises has already begun and that the clinic can be expected to resume operation next week.

He added that the timely identification of the bacteria, does not give rise to any cause for concern whatsoever