Health minister says no need for concern over Eris variant

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Health Minister Fahrettin Koca has reassured the public that there is no need for alarm regarding the Eris variant of Covid-19.

Koca said on social media that there have been only a limited number of cases in Turkey and advised the elderly and those with chronic illnesses to take precautions. Last week, he confirmed nine cases of the new variant.

"Since the beginning of the pandemic, the coronavirus has consistently mutated. Even after the Omicron variant, the world has returned to normalcy, except for simple precautions. A virus never completely disappears; it generally evolves into weaker variants," Koca wrote.

"The Eris variant, which has been detected in a limited number of cases in Turkey following countries where life continues normally, is not a cause for concern. While scientists may discuss it, it is not worth being on the agenda for our people.

"I have previously advised our elderly and those with chronic illnesses to continue taking care of themselves as usual. Good evening."

The COVID-19 variant Eris, which has been identified in more than 50 countries worldwide, is also spreading in European countries.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern about the increasing number of Covid-19 cases before the winter season in the northern hemisphere, with rising deaths in some regions of the Middle East and Asia and an increase in intensive care admissions in Europe. (AS/VK)