The Health Ministry Undersecretary Associate Prof. Dr. Duriye Deren Oygar said on Wednesday that the situation concerning hospitalisations and being admitted to intensive care was not worrying despite an increase in daily Covid-19 cases in the country.

“Our priority should be to protect ourselves, those with weak immune systems and the elderly,” Oygar added.

Speaking to the TAK News Agency regarding the increase in the number of Covid-19 cases, the Health Ministry Undersecretary Düriye Deren Oygar said that tests will be carried out on citizens in crowded areas and that the number of routine tests will be increased in the country.

Noting that there were nine patients currently receiving treatment in hospital, two of whom were in ICU, she said most of these people have other underlying health problems.

Referring to the importance of wearing masks and getting vaccinated in the fight against the pandemic, Oygar said those who haven’t received their jabs should get vaccinated while others with immune deficiencies or those above 65 should get their booster jabs within 4 to 6 months.

She also reminded that vaccinations were continuing at various public health centres across the country.

Expressing the need to wear masks in indoor areas, Oygar noted that the latest variants of Omicron were highly contagious.

She also reminded that the vaccines did not prevent infection but still protected against hospitalization and severe illness.

Stating that the BA. 2 variant was dominant in the country according to the test results sent to Türkiye in June, she said the latest test results will be announced in the coming days.

Explaining that those who have Covid-19 symptoms and require medical attention can apply to the Lefkoşa Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital’s Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre, Oygar said those with complaints of shortness of breath, persistent fever and chest as well as back pain can apply to the emergency rooms.

Responding to criticisms that the Emergency Hospital had been converted to ordinary services, she said this step was important for patients to have access to comprehensive health services and for health workers to provide this service.

Stating that it was wrong not to utilize the 100 bed capacity Emergency Hospital effectively when the number of cases was so low, Oygar noted that health problems related with Covid-19 can be solved within the health system, not in an isolated environment.

She added that if the need arises, the Emergency Hospital can be reconverted to accommodate Covid-19 patients.