Assumptions about the possibility of banning the entry of foreign tourists were again voiced in Turkey. However, so far with a “minus” sign: experts from the Turkish Ministry of Health say in the popular media that the possibility of more stringent measures, including blocking the country from within, is not being discussed. However, they can be triggered if the number of daily cases of coronavirus increases. In any case, bringing this topic up for public discussion suggests that the authorities have begun preparing society for the possibility of such a blockade…
“The daily number of cases of infection with the virus, apparently, has stabilized at about 30 thousand. But the number of cases may increase, and if they increase to 60 – 70 thousand, some measures may be taken, including blocking and closing borders,” he said. Professor Alper Schener of the Ministry of Health, Chairman of the Scientific Council, who advises the government on the coronavirus pandemic.
At the same time, according to Hurriyet, the professor warns that the incidence of the virus may reach a peak again and show a sharp increase. “It used to be that way, and if it happens again, we will have to think about taking more stringent measures,” Schener said.
According to him, this peak may lead to the fact that the vaccination campaign in Turkey has almost stopped. The pace of the vaccination program has slowed significantly. “There are certain groups of people who do not listen to calls for vaccination, and this group also includes those who have received two doses of the vaccine, but need re-vaccination,” the professor added. At the same time, he said, if the fight and, in particular, vaccination intensifies, “the pandemic could become an endemic in the first half of 2022.”