TRNC to introduce home quarantine

The TRNC is working on introducing the home quarantine system for individuals who are contacts of positive cases, Health Minister Ünal Üstel announced on Tuesday.

Speaking on a TV programme, Üstel highlighted the importance of balancing the economy and health.

That is why we are looking at the different methods other countries are using, particularly Turkey, he said.

Minister Üstel also said that work was underway to increase the country’s daily testing capacity. 

He added that the number of daily tests was steadily on the rise as a result of collaboration with private labs. 

Üstel explained that their goal was to separate the Lefkoşa Dr Burhan Nalbantoğlu Hospital completely from the emergency hospital. 

Apart from ICUs we are not planning to use the general hospital for COVID-19 treatment, he said. 

Regarding the introduction of home quarantine, Üstel said that the new practice will first be tried on those with chronic illnesses and small children.

He added that the details of the new system will be made public in the coming days. 

The health minister said the system was necessary to prevent the common situation where people who came into contact with individuals who tested positive for COVID-19, hid out of fear of being placed in quarantine. 

Regarding vaccines, Üstel said that the ministry had prepared a digital platform for vaccines.

The new vaccine programme will be transparent and reliable. We are aiming to complete vaccines by May, added.