In the circular, it was stated that in order to minimize the risk posed by the coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic in terms of public health and public order, the most powerful element in the fight against the epidemic is the vaccination activity carried out on a voluntary basis, as well as the basic principles of the fight against the epidemic, cleaning, mask and distance rules.

In the circular, it was emphasized that great progress has been made in vaccination studies in our country, the level of 73% in the first dose vaccination and 55.5% in the second dose of vaccination has been reached, and the number of epidemic cases, patients and deaths in people who have completed the vaccination process is at very low levels.

Also in the circular, our President, Mr. In the Presidential Cabinet convened on 19 August 2021 under the presidency of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the course of the epidemic in our country, the distance covered in vaccination activities, studies on the development of domestic vaccines, and hesitancy observed in some segments of the society regarding vaccination activities were discussed by taking into account the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and the Coronavirus Science Board. It was stated that it was decided to implement the measures. The measures taken are listed as follows:

Although vaccination studies continue to be carried out on a voluntary basis, information and guidance activities aimed at eliminating the concerns and hesitations of those who are hesitant about vaccination will be emphasized under the coordination of the governors and district governors. For this purpose, broad-based studies will be carried out with the participation and support of relevant public institutions and organizations, local governments, non-governmental organizations, headmen, and opinion leaders.

As of Monday, September 6, 2021, for people who are not vaccinated; A PCR test with a negative result will be mandatory for the participation of citizens in activities such as concerts, cinemas, and theaters. In this framework, operators/organizers will be asked about the vaccinated/past disease (according to the period of scientific immunity after Covid-19 disease) or the negative PCR test performed a maximum of 48 hours ago, via the HES code, at the entrance to the events.
If the person has not had the disease or is not vaccinated or has a negative PCR test, they will not be allowed to participate in the event.

There will also be a negative PCR test for intercity trips by plane, bus, train, or other public transportation vehicles, excluding private vehicles, by people who are not vaccinated or have had the disease. In this context, starting from Monday, September 6, 2021, travel companies will be asked for a vaccinated/past disease (according to the time that is scientifically considered immune after Covid-19 disease) or a negative PCR test performed a maximum of 48 hours ago, via the HES code, at the time of admission to the vehicle. If the person has not had the disease or is not vaccinated or has a negative PCR test, these people will not be allowed to travel.

For people who have not had the disease or who are not vaccinated, who will benefit from other activities or activities in their provinces/districts by the governorships/district governorships, PCR test control over the HES code may be required with the decisions of the Provincial / District Hygiene Board.

With the epidemic process, it is seen that behaviors such as hugging and shaking hands, which are avoided in line with the distance rule, have become widespread in society especially recently. Efforts to remind citizens of the importance of staying away from activities such as handshaking/hugging, which are a part of our culture, but increase the spread of the epidemic during the fight against the epidemic, will continue under the coordination of the governors and district governors.

In line with these principles, in accordance with Articles, 27 and 72 of the Public Health Law, the decisions of the Provincial/District Public Health Boards will be taken promptly, no disruption will be caused in practice and no grievance will be caused.

Originally published at the Ministry of Interior on August 20, 2021.