Health minister: New variants not unexpected, no need to worry

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While Turkey hasn't yet detected a case of the new coronavirus variant Omicron, there is nothing to worry even if it did, according to Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca.

"New variants are something expected, there is not a worrying development," he said in a written statement yesterday (December 1) following a meeting with the ministry's Scientific Advisory Board.

If used by observing their duration, the existing vaccines can be effective against the new variant as well, said the minister.

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While the Omicron variant is more contagious, there is no finding that it causes a more severe illness, according to preliminary information, Koca noted.

"It is extremely valuable for the Republic of South Africa to identify the new variant with a screening infrastructure that should be appreciated and share it with the public.

"It has been understood that the new variant is mutated in more than one gene region of the virus. According to preliminary information, the Omicron variant is transmitted faster. However, there is no evidence showing that it is more sickening.

"Although mutations are an expected situation for RNA viruses, both the strengthening and the extinction of the virus occur with mutations. Hopefully, this mutation is a sign that the virus will disappear and will never return.

"Due to the Omicron variant, gene sequencing studies have been increased in our reference laboratories. The data obtained in our 17 regional laboratories are analyzed by gene sequencing methods in our Ankara central reference laboratory. The Omicron variant has not been found in our country so far." (KÖ/VK)