The Health Minister İzlem Gürçağ Altuğra announced on Wednesday that the compulsory use of masks in indoor areas has been changed to a recommendation due to the drop in Covid-19 positive cases.

Altuğra however added that the use of face coverings will still be compulsory at hospitals, prisons and care homes.

She made the announcement during a visit to the Gazimağusa State Hospital.

Health Minister İzlem Gürçağ Altuğra was in Gazimağusa on Wednesday, inspecting the state hospital’s surgery theatres and wards, speaking with hospital staff and discussing other issues with the hospital’s Chief Physician Mustafa Kalfaoğlu.

Speaking during the visit, Altuğra said that the compulsory use of masks in indoor areas was being relaxed for the time being in light of the fact that there was a drop in daily Covid-19 cases.

She said that the health ministry will only be recommending the use of face coverings in indoor areas.

Altuğra however added that the use of face masks in hospitals, prisons and care homes will still be compulsory.

Regarding the Gazimağusa State Hospital, the health minister said that the hospital was serving the public with 48 doctors and 136 nurses.

She also said that a new appointment system will become operational as of the first of next month.

Altuğra said that persons seeking to get an appointment will be able to do so by dialling 1101.