A circular was published on the abolition of all epidemic measures, including the mask and the HEPP code. Academic people and experts in the area have forwarded this question; “Is the goal to go back to normalization, only or was this decision made because the tourist season is coming?”
The reaction of health organizations to the decisions taken by health authority of Turkey is continuing. TÜSAD, the Respiratory Association, stressed that these decisions would make it difficult to control the disease. Noting that the epidemic was not over yet and that vaccination rates were insufficient, a doctor member from TÜSAD Central Board said, “Is the purpose of making new decisions just to step into normalization? Or were these decisions made with economic concerns in anticipation of the upcoming tourist season? Is there a transition to the herd immunity model?”. Same person stated that the use of masks outdoors had been abolished in Europe and the world since March, but the double dose vaccination rate in these countries was 70-80 percent and the reminder dose rate was 50-60 percent. The doctor shared the following information as well: “The vaccination rate in Turkey is in the 60s and the reminder dose rate is in the 40s. In other words, we are far from the level required for social immunity.”
How will it be checked whether the distance is maintained in a closed area, whether the ventilation is sufficient etc.?
The doctor went on to say; “The continuation of these measures will mean that many citizens, especially the elderly, with additional diseases, will be protected from the disease. The perception is being created that the pandemic is lagging behind. In addition, it is an extremely ambiguous decision to remove the mask requirement in closed environments where it is well ventilated and the distance is maintained. How will it be checked whether the distance is maintained in the space, whether the ventilation is sufficient?”
