‘Mu variant’ in Turkey

* Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA) - File

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Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca has announced that the "Mu variant" of COVID-19 has been found in two people in Turkey.

"For the time being, we are not thinking of introducing an additional measure. Because there has been no one diagnosed with the 'Mu' variant apart from these two cases," Minister Koca has indicated.

Noting that over 90 percent of the COVID-19 cases in Turkey are of "Delta" or "Delta Plus" variant, Koca has said, "I think that the number of cases will gradually decrease as the number of people vaccinated with two doses increases. Until social immunity is ensured, we must definitely abide by the classic measures such as wearing masks and keeping distance."

'Vaccination rates gradually increasing'

Minister Koca answered the questions of journalists following the Presidential Cabinet Meeting yesterday (September 6).

Announcing that the practice of PCR tests will continue as it is, Koca said, "Vaccination rates are generally increasing. We are likely to reach 100 million doses in 2-3 days. This is an important figure in that sense. The rate of two doses and at least one dose has also gradually increased."

In response to a question whether PCR tests will be done for a fee to encourage vaccination, Minister Koca said, "We are not thinking of such an option. We think that the practice of PCR tests continues as it is."

Answering the question of journalists about social immunity, Koca also said that "they were expecting the rate to be 80-85 percent."

'Booster shots after six months'

Reminded of the findings that the vaccines administered in early 2021 are losing their effectiveness, Fahrettin Koca recalled that "as they saw that the effectiveness of inactive vaccines decreases after three months, the Ministry recommended the 3rd dose after the 3rd month." He indicated that there will be booster shots after six months.

Speaking about the mRNA vaccines in this context, Koca said that "there has been no marked decrease in the results after 3.5-4 months." He added that "based on the observations in the next months, the Ministry will say whether and when a booster shot is necessary."

"As we see it in Israel and other countries, this booster shot is given 8 months later, we know that there is such a need. It will probably be the case with us as well, but there is no need for now," he added.

Reminded that there are talks about having vaccinated and unvaccinated people sit in different places in restaurants, Health Minister Koca said that there was not such an issue on their agenda.

Vaccination of refugees

In response to a question regarding the vaccination of people with temporary protection status and migrants in Turkey, Fahrettin Koca stated, "The number of those without registration is very low. Their rate is not high when the society as a whole is considered. I mean, for instance, there are 3.5-4 million registered Syrians, we reach them all."

Koca also said that all people from Afghanistan who are registered in Turkey have been vaccinated against COVID-19. (AS/SD)