BioNTech Statement from Minister Koca

BioNTech Statement from Minister Koca BioNTech statement came from Minister Koca. Health Minister Fahrettin Koca stated that the agreement was signed with BioNTech. Health Minister Fahrettin Koca reported that an agreement was signed on the BioNTech vaccine developed against the new type of coronavirus (Covid-19). Koca stated that the 550 thousand doses of vaccine allocated for this year, are expected to arrive in Turkey by the end of the year or the beginning of January. Minister Koca, who posted on his Twitter account yesterday, noted that the agreement was signed yesterday around 4:30 am. Minister Koca used the following expressions in his post:

“According to the agreement made, the amount of doses that Prof. Dr. Uğur Şahin announced that and allocated in the warehouse for this year is 550 thousand. This amount is expected to come to Turkey until the end of the year or in early January. However, 4.5 million doses of vaccine will be delivered to our country by the end of March. According to our agreement, up to 30 million doses of vaccine under the same conditions will be available with the agreement of the parties.”

Stating that the reason for the delay is that the manufacturer does not want to accept responsibility for the problems that may arise from the production of the vaccine, Koca continued as follows: “It was understood that the manufacturer's responsibility in this regard should be limited to the financial size of the contract. Consent will be taken from our citizens to use this vaccine.” Pointing out that in the realization of this agreement and the elimination of obstacles was possible with great efforts from Prof. Dr. Uğur Şahin, Minister Koca said, “Privilege given to Turkey will not be forgotten, on behalf of our nation, i thank him once again.” Providing information about the measures against the epidemic, Minister Koca said, "We impose a PCR test requirement for all passengers coming from abroad in the last 72 hours." Koca gave the following information on the subject:

“We follow the most up-to-date scientific developments and take our precautions for the control of the COVID-19 epidemic, which continues to threaten the world. New measures are needed for arrivals from abroad due to the increase in the number of cases all over the world and the acceleration of the epidemic. From Monday, December 28, by air from abroad; As of December 30, all passengers arriving by air, land and sea are required to submit negative PCR tests performed in the last 72 hours. Those who do not present the negative PCR test results will not be put on the plane on the way to Turkey. Those who do not submit their test at the border gate upon entering our country will be quarantined at the addresses where they will reside. This application will continue until March 1, 2021.”

Explaining the precautions regarding the coronavirus mutation emerging in the UK, Koca said:

“On the other hand, it has been reported that the mutated SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has been reported to be associated with the increase of cases in the UK, has also been seen in Denmark and South Africa. To prevent the entry of the this new variant of the virus in our country, visitors to Turkey from the UK, Denmark and South Africa will have to submit their test results that was acquired in the last 72 hours and will be quarantined in the adress they will reside. If the second tests to be made on the 7th day of the quarantine are negative, their quarantine will be terminated, and if they are positive, they will be treated.”