Measures Against Rising Covid-19 Cases

Measures Against Rising Covid-19 Cases Assoc. Prof. Dr. Berna Kömürcüoğlu, Head of the Infection Working Group at the Respiratory Society (TÜSAD), drew attention to the high number of cases, stating "Covid-19 has become a pandemic of the unvaccinated." Noting an increase in the number of pediatric and young patients, Kömürcüoğlu said, "If we complete our full vaccination and continue to comply with precautions, we will get through the spring months much more comfortably." "Hospital admissions, intensive care hospitalizations and deaths have unfortunately concentrated in the unvaccinated group," said Kömürcüoğlu, adding "Those who are fully vaccinated experience the disease mildly even if they contract it, and vaccines remain over 90 percent effective in preventing severe disease and death." Warning of a possible increase in Covid-19 patient numbers during winter months, Kömürcüoğlu made the following appeal: "Please get vaccinated and wear masks in enclosed spaces. If we do not encounter an unexpected mutation and vaccination continues at the same pace, we can have a much more comfortable spring."

Mask Usage Rate is Declining

Emphasizing that with the arrival of winter and the return to the city from summer residences, there may be an increased risk of transmission in cities, particularly in enclosed spaces, Kömürcüoğlu stated: "For this reason, especially those who are fully vaccinated should continue to pay attention to mask, distance and hygiene practices in enclosed spaces to prevent transmission to those around us, even if we are vaccinated. Unfortunately, mask usage rates have dropped significantly since the summer months. We can see this in the rise in case numbers. When the infection rate in the community is this high, vaccination only ensures that the vaccinated person experiences the infection mildly, and even if mild, they can still become ill and transmit it to those around them."

Full Vaccination Required for Face-to-Face Education

Noting that there are approximately 18 million students in Turkey and together with their families they constitute a large portion of the population, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Berna Kömürcüoğlu provided the following information: "Since vaccination for the 12-18 age group opened as of September, full vaccination and protection of this age group is only now being achieved. Students aged 12 and above and their families must complete their full vaccination. Vaccination is not yet recommended in Turkey for students under 12, but full vaccination of student families is very important. Because transmission from children increases the risk for family members in the household. For this reason, we recommend that families must get vaccinated."