TRNC aims for ‘herd immunity’
EVERYONE should get vaccinated against Covid-19 to achieve “herd immunity”, Health Minister Ünal Üstel said this week, as the minimum age to receive a jab was lowered to 18.
Stating that vaccines and precautions are of “great importance against the danger of the Delta variant that threatens the world”, Mr Üstel said that while the TRNC has made “great progress” regarding Covid19, it should “not be forgotten that the pandemic is still a serious threat”.
Mr Üstel emphasised that since the day he took office, the Health Ministry has been working hard to provide the “best health services despite all the economic difficulties caused by Covid-19, to fight against Covid-19 and to complete the shortcomings in the health infrastructure in our country”.
“Without wasting any time and without hesitation, [everyone] should take their place in the fight for herd immunity,” he said.
Urging members of the public to continue to adhere to the Covid rules and measures, Mr Üstel said: “Let’s not forget that as a result of decisions made, lifting restrictions and opening up are our rewards for following the rules.
“Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in cases in recent days. Our most important
weapons in this fight are vaccinations and compliance with the rules.”
Mr Üstel stated that it is “extremely important” to comply with mask wearing, social distancing and hygiene rules, especially in crowded environments.
He noted that the rules should be followed especially at weddings, restaurants, bars and casinos and that local government authorities should carry out “effective inspections”.
“We should not forget that there is a possibility of a lockdown if the rules are not followed,” he warned.
“With the measures taken, society’s support is important so we keep moving forward. We need to fight together so that there is no lockdown and the cases and losses do not increase. We have fought against Covid-19 together, we will achieve victory together.”
Mr Üstel stated that nearly a quarter of a million vaccine doses have been administered throughout the country.
He said that as of July 4, the number of people who had received the first dose was 129,011, and the number of people who received their second dose was 92,163.
He also announced that second doses of AstraZeneca vaccines will be administered one month after the first dose, instead of the initial three-month gap, and that 70 percent of the population will have been inoculated by August.
Mr Üstel stated that Covid-19 antigen tests are administered free of charge in private laboratories contracted by the Health Ministry and that the documents for rapid antigen test results can be found at covid19.gov.ct.tr by entering a barcode number, and identity card or passport information. He also mentioned that the report document can be downloaded as a pdf file.