Minister: Turkey hasn't detected Omicron variant yet, not considering lockdown

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The Omicron variant of the coronavirus hasn't yet been detected in Turkey, Ministry of Health Fahrettin Koca said yesterday (November 30).

The ministry doesn't recommend additional measures right now, Koca told reporters after the ruling Justice and Development Party's (AKP) Central Executive Committee meeting in Ankara.

A lockdown due to the new variant is not currently on the table, he added.

When asked about the effects of the new variant, Koca said, "It's difficult to say anything right now because it's not seen in our country. But when we look at the places where it's seen, its contagiousness is high and ... its virulence is probably lower."

The flight ban on South Africa, where the Omicron variant was first seen, will continue, said the minister.

Koca further said that he had spoken to Uğur Şahin, the head of the BioNTech vaccine company, about the new variant. "Within a week or two, they will announce whether a new vaccine will be needed," said Koca. (AS/VK)