Minister of Health, Dr. Fahrettin Koca, delivered a statement following the Coronavirus Scientific Committee meeting.
Koca pointed out that the quality of life would increase much more if everyone did what was necessary and added, "We have to prepare now for the days when we will need measures less."
Noting that the current situation had to be preserved, Koca continued, "Life is picking up pace. As our success becomes firm, we will go back to the things we miss. As our success becomes firm, we will pick up where we left off."
Emphasizing that the coronavirus must not be a force dominating our lives, Koca added,"This virus, which can spread through mouth and nose, requires us to wear a masks outside our homes and when we are with other people. Mask is an essential measure against the spread of the virus. It is not a precaution, but it is an obligation. Wearing a mask is not an individual precaution, it is a common one. This precaution must be taken by anyone, who is in a social environment interacting with others. Therefore, a person not wearing a mask is responsible for others wearing a mask on the street, or in the workplace. In such cases, not wearing a mask violates the individual rights of others."
"Transmission rate has not decreased"
Koca touched upon scientific projections suggesting that the coronavirus would be more effective in winter months and ease down in summer months and continued, "The transmission rate of the virus has not decreased. There is no scientific evidence suggesting that the virus's ability to make people sick has decreased. I would like to ask to to not base your daily activities on these misconceptions."
"Elderly and ones with chronic illnesses are still at risk"
"The elderly and the ones with chronic illnesses are still at risk", said Koca and added, "We are concerned about the possibility of people close to risk groups to forget about the severity of the situation and to be lax. We have fought very hard for the elderly. Please maintain this approach."
"We owe these measures to one another"
Emphasizing that measures were taken to pick up speed not only in health but also in economy, trade, education and production, Koca continued, "Following the measures is also a civic duty to the Turkish State, which has supported and offered healthcare for each and every citizen during this pandemic. We owe these measures to one another. We have to fight this disease, which has impacted the society as a whole, hand in hand."
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