COVID-19 in Turkey Turkey’s first official case of COVID-19 was in March 10,2020.After the first case, schools were closed for 3 weeks. Little did we know that this pandemic was going to get much worse… Since then,we’re on a rollercoaster-like journey with multiple up and downs. The officially decided medications we use for COVID-19 are favipiravir and hydroxychloroquine but of course not every single one of us use them. The vaccination process started with healthcare workers in January 15,2021. People in risk group have a privilege during this process. It looks like it’s going to take some time until every citizen is vaccinated, though. We use Sinovac vaccine for the most part but since March 2021, we are able to pick between that and BioNTech one.And finally, if you want to check our daily case numbers you can look at this website: https://covid19.saglik.gov.tr/?_Dil=2 (You can always reach and ask us about the current situation,restrictions -if there’s one- or more information! ) HES (Hayat Eve Sığar,Life Fits Into Home) : This is an extremely important mobile app for people in Turkey right now. Through this app,you can see how risky the area you’re in at that moment, when will your quarantine ends if you’re in necessary isolation. But most importantly, you can get your HES code. HES code shows other people if you’re risky or not. When you’re going in a hospital, mall, restaurant or a place that contains a lot of people, you need to show your HES code so they can scan it. If you should’ve been in an isolation, they can see it thanks to your HES code. ○ Things You Need to Do / Read Before You Come Here - It is a must to have 2 negative COVID-19 PCR tests. The First PCR Test : All international passengers traveling to Turkey are required to have acquired a COVID-19 PCR test with a negative result within 72 hours prior to their flight. You must submit your test result to the airline at the time of check-in. We highly recommend you to have at least 2 copies of your PCR test as it can be requested by the Turkish border authorities. The Second PCR Test : All incoming students are required to have acquired a COVID-19 PCR test with a negative result 48 hours prior to the start of their internship at the hospital. COVID-19 PCR tests are available for anyone who wishes to be administered one in Turkey for a fee at the moment. The fee may vary depending on the testing location. Further information on specific testing sites is in the following title. - Passengers arriving in Turkey will be required to complete an information form and will be checked for symptoms. Anyone suspected of having COVID-19 will be transported to a hospital for examination or to a dormitory to self-isolate. You should be aware that you will be quarantined in case of suspicion. In such a situation, we strongly recommend that you enter the country at least 14 days beforehand as TurkMSIC will not extend exchanges or accommodation should incomings get quarantined. - TurkMSIC or our LC does not cover the fees for the following situations. You must come to the country by accepting these conditions. COVID-19 PCR test fee COVID-19 Vaccination fee Boarding & lodging fees before the exchanges Quarantine costs ( if there any) Personal protective equipment ( masks, disinfectants…) In addition to the aforementioned situations, we also will not be covering the fees of a potential COVID-19 treatment should you contract it, therefore it is strongly recommended for you to get health insurance that covers COVID-19 treatments. - You should be perfectly aware of the current situation in our country and always keep yourself informed. In the event that an exchange has to be cancelled due to circumstances beyond TurkMSIC’s control (such as governmental restrictions) we claim no responsibility. - Although we don’t have an official decree regarding vaccination requirements in Turkey, all of the healthcare workers are vaccinated for COVID-19 in Turkey. So as Aydın Adnan Menderes TÖB we strongly recommend you to get vaccinated but it’s not a must. Remember that you should keep yourself up to date because requirements may change as the time goes by. - What to bring: All incomings are required to bring the following items with them, enough masks, enough alcohol based disinfectant for the entire exchange period and all the other healthcare items. You can also buy them in Turkey but coming here prepared would be much better in our opinion.○ Where to Have a PCR Test for COVID-19 in Aydın -Aydın İl Sağlık Müdürlüğü Halk Sağlığı Laboratuvarı -Aydın Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Hastanesi Tıbbi Mikrobiyoloji Laboratuvarı ○ COVID-19 And Our Hospital All the hospital personel has been vaccinated. Hospital will not allow anyone to enter without a mask. Everyone, in all circumstances, has to follow the rules of self isolation and social distance.