The coronavirus situation in Turkey is not as bad as in other European countries or the US due to measures concerning masks and social distancing, according to the World Health Organization’s Office in Turkey.
“TURKEY MANAGED WELL SINCE START”
An interview conducted Friday by German news outlet Deutsche Welle’s Turkish service with the WHO Office in Turkey about the latest coronavirus situation in the country and the world was “unfortunately” misinterpreted by some media outlets, WHO Turkey said Sunday on Twitter.
Sharing the interview on social media, it said: “Situation globally is alarming as cases are increasing and with the winter as we go more indoors, cases are only likely to increase”.
Speaking on the transparency of Turkey on the number of cases, it stressed: “Turkey managed well since start. We are not as bad as in other countries now too. But we all must remain committed to all mitigation measures.”
TURKEY, WHO HAVE A VERY STRONG RELATIONSHIP
The WHO’s regional director has visited Turkey twice in the last six months, which indicates very strong bilateral relations between the two entities, it said.
Commenting on the reliability of the Chinese vaccine that Turkey ordered, it said the “WHO does not validate or not any vaccine, diagnostic, or treatment per se. We share evidence and guidance.” Approval or non-approval of vaccines is at the discretion of organizations in the related countries, especially in emergencies.
It said vaccine manufacturers under WHO COVAX share data with the WHO and others, adding they have the second phase data for the Chinese vaccine but have not yet received the third phase data.