TRNC Minister of Health warned the public against complacency

TRNC Minister of Health Ünal Üstel has warned the public against complacency, particularly at crowded gatherings and events such as weddings or engagement parties.

According to a health ministry press bureau’s written statement, Üstel warned the public to adhere to COVID-19 measures such as social distancing, hygiene, and wearing masks.

The health ministry stressed that people must avoid close contact at the events they are attending such as weddings and similar events as to prevent any negative consequences, adding that no one could tolerate another lockdown.

He added that the fight against the pandemic can only be won by precautionary measures and vaccines.

Üstel said that they as the ministry with the support of Turkey have speeded up the vaccination drive in the country and that it was everyone’s responsibility and duty to do what is necessary.

“The vaccinations have lowered the number of patients in hospitals and deaths caused by COVID-19,” he said, adding that the pandemic will subside as immunity increases.

Üstel said that a total of 194,782 individuals have been vaccinated in the country to date, with 108,923 individuals having received the first dose and 85,859 individuals having received both doses.

Individuals who want to get vaccinated can book an appointment on the Health Ministry’s vaccination portal.

Üstel said that vaccines will be received frequently and will be enough for everyone to be vaccinated.

Meanwhile, the TRNC Health Ministry on Monday warned the public against a fake message circulating on social media regarding Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

A statement issued by the ministry said that the screenshot of a Whatsapp message alleged to be sent by the Dr Suat Günsel hospital in Girne was a sham.

The message claimed that the health ministry had ordered the halt of the vaccine as a result of side effects after its use had been terminated in the US.

The statement said that the vaccine had no major side effects and that its administration was continuing as planned.

It also said that the public must only adhere to official messages or statements issued by the health ministry.