Minister Koca's statement on the epidemic and intensive care: 'It is not unique to our country...'

Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca made assessments regarding the recent increase in cases. Koca also provided information on intensive care occupancy rates.

Koca stated the following:

"During the winter months we are in, there is an increase in upper respiratory tract infections, particularly those caused by viruses. These increases are not unique to our country. The situation is similar in other countries where winter months are ongoing."

"Our average ward bed occupancy rate in hospitals is 65 percent. In other words, we do not have a problem with ward beds. As for intensive care beds, the occupancy rate is approximately 72 percent. This means there is a slight increase compared to last year. In Istanbul, the intensive care occupancy rate is approximately 83 percent. Istanbul is the province with the highest increase. Due to this increase in Istanbul, we are trying to overcome this process without problems by increasing the number of beds and with the intensive efforts of our healthcare workers."