Minister Koca: The PCR test will only be performed on people who have symptoms

Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca said “Our Scientific Council has abolished the requirement of PCR testing for screening purposes and in people with contacts. From now on, the PCR test will only be performed on people who show symptoms.”

Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca made a statement after the meeting of the Coronavirus Scientific Board.

Highlights of Minister Koca’s statements were as follows:

The Omicron variant has become the dominant variant in our country. The number of cases has increased by 4 times compared to the previous month.

“TURKOVAC is more effective than Sinovac”

The safety of the domestic vaccine was confirmed by 5,942 studies. It was found that TURKOVAC is more effective than Sinovac. No one should have any hesitation in saying out loud that we can safely use our TURKOVAC vaccine.

“The PCR test will be done to people who show symptoms”

At our Scientific Committee today, it was decided that people with contacts who have had their vaccine and reminder dose should not be quarantined. As for isolation, all positive cases can be released from isolation without taking tests after completing isolation for 7 days. Our Scientific Council, taking into account the rules applied in developed countries and the level of prevalence reached by the disease, has abolished the requirement for PCR testing in people with screening purposes and contacts. From now on, the PCR test will only be performed on people who have symptoms. I want you to know that we will continue to do our best to eliminate the epidemic from our agenda.

Source: Turkish media