Ambassador Tuncalı issues statement on Covid-related deaths among Turkish Cypriots in the UK

AVRUPA TIMES/LONDON-Turkish Republic of the Norhtern Cyprus London Ambassador Tuncalı issued a message of condolence in light of the sharp increase in Covid-19-related deaths among Turkish Cypriots living in the United Kingdom. Noting that these numbers were increasing each day, Ambassador Tuncalı incdicated that the number of deaths had doubled over the past 2 months. According to figures, 191 Turkish Cypriots in the UK have lost their lives due to the virus and this number continues to climb. Ambassador Tuncalı expressed her condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and wished a speedy recovery to those who continue to fight the virus. She also called on Turkish Cypriots to continue to take all necessary measures and precautions to prevent the further spread of the virus. 

Turkish Republic of the Norhtern Cyprus -TRNC CORONAVIRUS UPDATES
(figures as of 20 January 2021)

Total number of tests conducted: 373,605

Total number of confirmed cases: 1971

Total number of patients recovered: 1713

Patients currently receiving treatment: 247

Patients currently receiving treatment in Pandemic Center: 58

Patients receiving follow-up care at Pandemic Hotels: 185

Total number of deaths: 11

Patients in intensive care: 4

Tatar issues statement on fight against Covid-19,

Turkish Republic of the Norhtern Cyprus President Ersin Tatar on Tuesday said he had no doubt that success will be achieved against COVID-19 with the decisions and measures adopted in the country as well as the start of vaccinations. Tatar, in a written statement, highlighted the importance of the public’s support in the fight against COVID-19. He said that in addition to the selfless efforts and sacrifices of health care workers, the improvements in the country’s health infrastructure and the construction of the new pandemic hospital had strengthened the TRNC’s capabilities in the pandemic.

The President underlined the importance of getting vaccinated particularly now that the number of global cases had exceeded 95 million. Thanking Turkey for its support and the first batch of 20,000 vaccines it sent to the TRNC, Tatar said the EU will also continue to send vaccines. Reminding that he had spoken with the Higher Representative of the European Union for Foreign and Security Policy Josep Borell on the phone, President Tatar said Borell had confirmed that more vaccines reserved for the Turkish Cypriot side will be delivered in the coming days. “The vaccination drive has started in our country in parallel with the rest of the world. I see it my duty to express our gratitude to the Republic of Turkey. I have no doubt that we shall be successful with the decisions and measures adopted, with the support of the people and the vaccines,” he concluded. 

Covid-19 vaccinations underway in TRNC

The COVID-19 vaccination program is taking place at five separate locations in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Over 5000 people have been vaccinated in line with the program that began on Friday. All State and private hospital health workers have been vaccinated and from now on all those who voluntarily want to be vaccinated can apply to have the procedure done. Within the framework of the vaccination program those who are 80 years old and over can be vaccinated at the five centers that have been announced by the Ministry of Health. Health Minister Ali Pilli said that all health ministry workers were doing all they can to prevent any delays in the vaccination process.