Minister Koca says restriction applied to citizens over the age of 65 may be eased
“Breaking News” from the Science Board meeting! Minister Koca says restriction applied to citizens over the age of 65 may be eased.
The Science Board meeting, where critical recommendation decisions are be made, ended a short while ago. After the meeting, Minister Koca explained the latest developments about the corona outbreak in Turkey and said, “so far, we have detected the mutated virus in 49 provinces . No new mutants unique to us have been identified.” Koca also explained that in provinces where the number of cases had declined, the restriction applied to citizens over the age of 65 could be eased. KOCA shared following important information regarding the process to be followed in time ahead:
“4.5 MILLION DOSES OF VACCINE WILL COME FROM BIONTECH BY THE END OF MARCH”
=> The amount of vaccine that can come from BioNTech as a first party is 800 thousand. The total has now been made clear as 4.5 million by the end of March. The first 800 thousand doses of the vaccine will probably come in 10 days.
=> On November 24, we signed with Sinovac. A total of 100 million doses were contracted. BioNTech was contracted for 4.5 million doses at the end of March, with an option to increase to 30 million. In the period after March, we are still in contact with the CEO.
“WE HAVE OTHER PREPARATIONS”
=> We also have a preparation for the production of the Russian vaccine in Turkey. Our negotiations with AstraZeneca are also more intense these days. I think a pre-contract can be signed within the next 1-2 weeks.
=> It is important for us to be able to complete the vaccination process by April May at the latest: Especially our population over the age of 20 is obvious. By May and April at the latest, we know that we will have access to 105 million doses of the vaccine. This means vaccination of 52.5 million citizens (not including AstraZeneca and BioNTech).
“RESTRICTIONS FOR 65 AND OVER MAY BE EASED”
Two weeks after the second vaccine, protection begins. We know 2 weeks period after second vaccine for 65 hasn’t been completed yet. However, depending on the increase in vaccination rates over the age of 65, an easing can be made according to provinces. Vaccination rate will also be among the parameters.
“I WILL SUBMIT THE MEASURE PROPOSAL TO THE CABINET”
Our Science Board is debating this issue. I will present the proposal to the Cabinet on Monday. In the cabinet, this proposal will be discussed, and in the continuation, the statement will be made when necessary with the approval of our president after the decision of the Cabinet.
It is important that we have discussed how to make this cascade with parameters such as case numbers, case-test ratio, intensive care occupancy rate in the next period. Every two weeks, it will be clear which province should take what decision. All details, including training, will be raised in the Cabinet on Monday.
