Minister of Health, Dr. Fahrettin Koca, delivered statements at the press conference held after the Coronavirus Scientific Committee Meeting.
In his speech, Minister Koca noted that the world was no longer agile, determined and willing to identify cases and said, "When this is the case, those who are agile, will be one step ahead. In a world where the population is constantly on the move, what is concerning is not the number of detected cases. What is concerning is not being able detect them. Every concealed risk is much more frightening than an isolated one."
"Along with social behaviors, our mood and psychology have changed, as well" said Koca and continued, "Some issues, we have trouble agreeing upon. In the face of uncertainty, anxiety and disputes are quite common. It is important to keep them at a surmountable level."
"50% drop in many regions"
Minister Koca continued,"Everyone knows that following the latest rise in numbers, we have seen a 50% drop in many regions. Given that we are 2-3 months away from a vaccine, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Some people want to get out of this tunnel without any effort and put forward unfounded claims. The ones working selflessly have a right to respond to these claims. Those to follow measures and have absolute confidence in their state have that right, as well. What we need to know is this. Not every case is a patient. Because there are people who test positive but show no symptoms. The contact-tracing teams track these people. They are called asymptomatic positive cases. These people are important to the pandemic as they are spreaders. If not detected and isolated, they spread the virus. When isolated, their test comes back negative in a week."
"Every positive test is a case"
Noting that those who show symptoms were carriers, Koca said, "Patients are the ones showing symptoms. In the face of increasing numbers, what we need to do is to make sure that our healthcare system remains strong. We have to focus our attention on 'the number of new patients.' This is the essence of the matter. Every positive test is a case. Most of them are carriers that do not show symptoms. The rest are patients who have symptoms and are being treated. Some of them are monitored at home and some at hospitals. Those being treated at hospitals are reported as hospitalized patients."
"I believe we have overcome the most difficult part"
Reminding that during the pandemic, the state protects both the public health and national interests, Koca continued, "Because this virus does not only attack the human body, but also life, in general. This pandemic also targets the state's obligations to its people. So, the criticism of some people who are not responsible is no different than focusing on a small point on a big picture. I believe we have overcome the most difficult part. When we follow measures strictly, they turn into self-confidence.”
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