PRECAUTIONS AGAINST COVID-19-June-02

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST COVID-19

02/06/2020 Issue: 51

THE NEW NORMAL REGULATIONS AFTER COVID-19 AT IKU

We know our risks, and take our cautions

- Encapsulated viruses are the most vulnerable to disinfection.

- The structure of these viruses should be covered with a lipid that causes them to be easily affected by disinfectants.

- When the virus's lipid envelope is damaged, the virus will become vulnerable and will lose its ability to infect.

- The virus spreads from the surfaces by contact and by droplets. Disinfection is recommended to prevent spreading.

The mode of transmission of COVID-19 is from our organs with mucous layer; It takes place through the mouth, nose and eyes.

The infected situation is mostly occurring when;

- Contact with the patient,

- Contact with an infected item,

- It is by air (sneezing, ventilation system etc.).

Protective and preventive services

While entering our campuses;

Our private security personnel always use masks and pvc visors, and maintain their social distance against each other and the entrants.

The body temperatures of the people entering our campuses are controlled with contactless infrared fire measurement devices.

While entering our campuses;

Cleaning of the surfaces and then disinfection processes begin at the entrance and are repeated many times depending on the frequency of entry and exit during the day.

While entering our campuses;

Stop to COVID-19 with hygienic mats!

We will disinfect our feet, one of the most prominent carriers, as well as our hands against viruses.

In daily cleaning;

Detail cleaning and disinfection of all human contact areas and surfaces:

- Cleaning of the surfaces is provided with general cleaning products (Diversey Harmony product) 2 times a day.

- A male and female WC is kept open in the areas opened for use and cleaned with acid-based products (Diversey R6 product) every 30 minutes.

In daily cleaning;

- Manual disinfection of areas and surfaces is the most effective method in combination with other prevention methods to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

- All disinfection is carried out by our existing cleaning staff.

- Cleaning staff and managers to be employed are practically trained to fight viruses.

- The process involves wiping all surfaces with disposable cloth, sponges and disinfectant solution.

- Hygiene of all areas will be provided daily and regularly for protection purposes after opening.

In daily cleaning;

Prevent cross-contamination with disposable wipes

With hygienic disposable wipes, spot cleaning at least twice a day (door handles, elevator buttons, tap heads etc.) of the people that are in contact with people will minimize the risk of cross contamination on the surfaces, as the wipes used in this process will be disposable.

Personal hygiene measures

By leaving the box hygienic handkerchiefs in the departments where the staff works, the employees can be provided to make their own areas hygienic throughout the day.

Personal disinfection measures;

The measures taken for personal cleaning and disinfection measures continue in all campuses.

Mask, gloves and personal hygiene waste;

In accordance with the circular published by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization on April 8, 2020, the mask, gloves and other personal hygiene material waste generated in our buildings and campuses are kept separately from other wastes and delivered to the relevant institutions in accordance with the medical waste management procedure.

In weekly cleaning;

All areas and surfaces (REA RTU or equivalent) continue to be cleaned with special disinfectants.

In monthly cleaning;

Disinfection of all areas with ULV machines;

- All employees are responsible for evacuating their desks and work areas before the disinfection process begins (objects and documents on the table).

- All electronic equipment must be off.

- Sensitive equipment should be covered, this equipment should be cleaned manually by the user with a disinfectant.

- The area will be sprayed with ULV machine.

- For the contact of the disinfectant, the area must be kept closed for 60 minutes.

- The disinfection area should be aired for 60 minutes.

- Cleaning will be carried out by our own team.

Nano-technological disinfectant (Antimic or equivalent) application

U.L.V. (Ultra-Low Volume) system

It is an aerosol fog production system created with extremely fine spraying technique. The solution used is divided into particles so that it stays in the air for a long time and the contact time is extended. In this way, the most effective / economic struggle will be achieved with the least active substance.

For clean, hygienic and safe settlements.

DEPARTMENT OF SUPPORT SERVICES

D.O.S.S.

Are hypertension patients more affected by COVID-19?

The new type of corona virus (COVID-19), which has been declared an epidemic by the World Health Organization, continues to spread rapidly both in the world and in our country. The virus is more severe in people with advanced age and additional disease (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, diabetes, heart disease). According to the initial reports, close to half of the patients admitted due to the virus are accompanied by cardiovascular or cerebrovascular (brain vessels) diseases.

People with chronic disease such as hypertension, in other words high blood pressure (the last accepted values are 140/90 mmHg and above) may face serious complications if they receive the virus. The scientific proposals of the American Heart Association (AHA), the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), the Turkish Society of Cardiology (TKD) and other leading associations come to the fore and the scientists express their views on the subject. In light of current information, older individuals (aged over 60) with coronary heart disease or hypertension are more susceptible to the virus and are more likely to have severe symptoms. The first prominent in published studies on COVID-19 is the increased risk of death in the presence of accompanying cardiovascular diseases, particularly hypertension.

According to data from Wuhan, China (72,314 patients by February 11, 2020), the mortality rate of COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular disease was 10.5%, while this rate was 7.3% in patients with diabetes and 6% in patients with chronic lung disease. , 3, 6% in patients with hypertension and 5.6% in cancer patients. In Italy, 74% of patients who died due to COVID-19 (481 patients by 20 March) were reported as the first disease, while diabetes (457 patients by 31 March with intensive care admission) was 32% in the USA. took the first place as a disease. Of course, this rate varies from country to country. According to the statement of Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca on April 1, 2020, 79.5% of the patients who died in our country due to COVID-19 were observed to be individuals over 60 years old. In addition, in this statement, when we look at the additional diseases of patients who lost their lives, hypertension ranks first with a rate of 68.8%. In 63.3% of the patients who are being treated in intensive care, hypertension is another common disease.

Should I take anti-hypertensive medications?

There is some controversy that blood pressure lowering drugs [ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB)] used by hypertensive patients may be associated with severe COVID-19 infection. There is not yet enough scientific evidence on this subject and high-level cohort studies are needed. In the Turkish Cardiology Consensus report, it is emphasized that the studies on this subject are insufficient for now, and the opinion that blood pressure medications should not be left or changed without the recommendation of a physician.

** Unless your doctor recommends, do not change and / or discontinue any heart medication you are using.

What should hypertension patients pay attention to?

The hypertension patients should pay attention to in the Hypertension guide published by the European Heart Association in 2018 are summarized below.

Blood pressure (blood pressure) monitoring: Blood pressure monitoring is of great importance in patients with hypertension. For accurate measurement, calibrated sphygmomanometers should be preferred. In addition, certain conditions must be taken into account in order to obtain accurate results in blood pressure measurements.

These are:

- Clothes that tighten the arm during the measurement should be removed and the arm should be supported from the bottom. The arm should be at the level of the heart and a hand punch should not be made.
- Coffee, cigarettes or tea should not be consumed approximately 20-30 minutes before the measurement.
- Care should be taken that the room where the measurement will be made is not too cold or hot.
- If possible, measurement should be done in a quiet room. The person should be in a position to sit comfortably.
- The measurement should be postponed as the blood pressure will increase immediately after the pain, high stress and exercise.
- For the correct result, the dimensions of the blood pressure cuff (measuring tape) must be suitable for the person.

Weight control: Keeping the weight within normal limits (Body mass index calculation: It is found by dividing the weight by the square of the neck. It is recommended to keep the body mass index in the range of 18.5-24.9) and giving the excess weight is an important step in the control of hypertension.

Exercise: Simple in-home aerobic exercises to be performed during this period should not be abandoned and immobility should be avoided.

Regular and balanced diet: Daily salt intake should be kept less than 6 g (about one teaspoon). Excessive consumption of tea and coffee should be avoided. Attention should be paid to a balanced and regular diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.

Stress management: Since stress can increase blood pressure, individual coping methods and relaxation techniques (such as meditation, prayer, reading a book, positive imagination) can be used. Light and relaxing music can be preferred to cope with stress.

Quitting smoking or tobacco products: Smoking increases the risk of both cardiovascular and COVID-19 infection. Therefore, cigarettes or all tobacco products should be left.

Alcohol cessation / limitation: Excessive alcohol intake is an important risk factor for high blood pressure. Alcohol intake is not recommended in hypertensive patients, but if used, it should be limited to 14 units per week in men and 8 units (1 unit equals 125ml wine or 250ml beer) per week.

Regular and adequate sleep: Regular and adequate sleep plays a role in reducing stress and indirectly controlling blood pressure; has a positive effect on strengthening body resistance.

Assist. Prof. Sevda TÜREN
İKÜ Faculty of Health Sciences
Department of Nursing

Pandemic, United States Presidential Elections and the Course of Turkish-American Relations

In the United States, which has become the center of the pandemic in terms of cases and deaths, some of the states have already begun normal life by removing restrictions, despite scientists' opposite warnings last week. After this decision, there were some protests in many states, such as Michigan, Ohio, Texas, California and Wisconsin, with calls for a return to normal life, as well as the governors' reluctance to take over the President. Because the strongest supporter of the protesters is US President Donald Trump.

The pandemic made the state leaders faced with a difficult choice between economic collapse and human life. Although the US is still the largest economy in the world, it takes its share from the devastation caused by the pandemic. In the first quarter of 2020, there is 4.8% contraction in the US gross domestic product (GDP). More than 30 million Americans have applied for unemployment benefits. Experts predict a deeper collapse than the 1929 Economic Depression. This situation endangers Trump's plans as he wants to guarantee a second 4-year term in the November presidential election.

Suspected that whether or not he had the knowledge, experience and even mental health required by his seat, President Trump's biggest assurance was the favorable course of the economy. His attitude towards normalization at the expense of a second wave of pandemics comes from an effort to reduce the loss by turning the wheel of the economy as soon as possible. On the other hand, his failure to manage the outbreak seems to have brought his rival Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden 6 points ahead, especially in the “swing” states (Wisconsin, Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, New Hampshire) that are likely to determine the outcome of the election.

Of course, it is not right to predict the final result in advance, based on election surveys. Moreover, according to the American election system, the President is elected not by the total vote he has received, but by the number of delegates from the states. However, in order to guarantee the 2nd term presidency, one should not underestimate Biden's chance to win against Trump, whom we anticipate will resort to any move - including postponing the elections. So, how does the coming of a Democratic Party president to the White House reflect on Turkish-American relations?

How does a Democratic Party administration affect Turkish-American relations?

All along, it has been asserted that Turkey get along well with Pragmatist Republican Party administrations that prioritize the security interests than Democratic Party administrations that are sensitive about democracy and human rights. It should be noted that even if there is some degree of truth in this, many files that have been building confidence crisis in the Ankara Washington line have been transferred from Democratic Party President Barack Obama to his successor, Trump. On the other hand, Trump is responsive to the established system and he has a form of government that bypasses traditional political institutions. This situation enables a dialogue channel in leadership level to step in the relationship between Turkey and the U.S.A. We know that the president persuaded the congress to provide flexibility in sanctions resolutions against Turkey by using his political credit; and likewise, how he turned the economy upside down with impulsive statements.

It won’t be easy for a Democratic Party President who will remain loyal to the institutional framework, to change the anti-Turkey perspective of both parties in Congress. However, the period we live in is quite different from the Post-Cold War unipolar world, in which US President Bill Clinton pursued the "expansion" strategy, and where the political and economic security of the US was based on the expansion of democracy and stability. Moreover, we can think that the need for allied countries will increase in the global competition, which seems to be more heated with China after the pandemic. Of course, this does not eliminate the possibility of a Democratic Party administration to use economic tools as a pressure for democracy.

In any case, we can assume that Turkish-American relations have a base level to decline. References to the importance of allied relations from past to present and the steps taken towards repairing the relations after each crisis to date reveal that the parties do not want to overlook each other. Privileged geopolitical position of Turkey in terms of the country's main motivation behind it. In fact, this situation is both blessing and burden in terms of bilateral relations. Blessing, because it prevents the bridges from collapsing between the two countries. On the other hand, self-confidence based on geopolitical location may occasionally lead to account errors; Due to the asymmetrical nature of the relations, the possibilities can have painful consequences for the limited party. But despite the crises, ties between the two states have been sustained for some years. So, how can we read Turkish-American relations in the coming period?

Partners who do not agree on the strategy

The end of the Cold War, according to the security priority interests between the US and Turkey made more visible differences. The fact that the policies followed by the USA in the Middle East, especially in the Middle East, had negative results for Ankara's interests, caused the wear of trust between the two countries over the years. However, despite all kinds of crises, Turkey's strategic alliance was considered to be a part of the West. This situation has been questioned by Ankara's decision to buy the S-400 air defense system from Russia. Admittedly, Ankara's NATO being involved in a coup attempt on 15 July and again in conjunction soldiers in this decision that fateful night of F-16 low altitude in Turkey, the share of the skies was not stoned. Traditionally converging against future threats from east to west Turkey, then began the rapprochement with eastern neighbors of this event. In other words, taking the S-400, creating a deviation in Turkey's strategic orientation, led to a major break in Turkish-American relations.

Indeed, for Ankara, issues such as the cooperation of the USA with YPG in Syria and the protection of Fethullah Gülen have been creating trust erosion for a long time. When we look at the Turkish-American relations over the topics we counted today, we see that the parties have largely maintained their positions. On the other hand, developments in Syria and İdlib in particular, COVİD-19 economic priorities imposed by the epidemic, constitutes an opportunity for rapprochement between Turkey and the United States. The attack that we killed 33 in idlib last February revealed the limits of cooperation between Ankara and the Kremlin. This attack followed the US and Turkey to undertake the necessary ammunition could provide humanitarian aid was interpreted as support shifted to the US from Russia in cooperation with the pointer. In this case, when the recently without Bashar Assad recirculating Syria evaluated together with the projections, the United States, Turkey's presence in Northern Syria after the war to be configured in Syria and in terms of shaping the regional balance saw positive and functional suggests.

Similarly, Ankara recently to postpone the activation of the S-400 defence systems bought from Russia release was interpreted as Turkey's face turned westward. Behind this decision, it can be said that economic needs outweigh. Captured in an economic sense too fragile period of the outbreak in Turkey, under the pressure of upcoming debt payments, clearing the dollar in order to ensure liquidity of the US Federal Reserve (swaps) is known to conduct bargaining agreement. On the other hand, decided to postpone for the S-400, the Congress of the "Law to Fight US Sanctions Through their adversaries" He had brought within the scope known as CAATS time against sanctions will be applied in Turkey. In November 2019, US President Trumps President hosted Tayyip Erdoğan at the White House, the meeting accompanied by some members of Congress by tacit agreement allegedly reached, Turkey in return not to use the S-400 are envisioned to suspend sanctions .

While all these developments offer an opportunity for more balanced relations between Turkey and the United States, Turkey's strategic orientation remains unclear. In fact, decision makers in Turkish foreign policy are pursuing an independent foreign policy to the extent possible by the conjuncture, in line with the political power consolidation of the AK Party, which has become evident since 2010. This approach is based as much on the “lone wolf” trend, which has been part of the political culture since then, as on the perception that “Western civilization is crumbling” that dominates Ankara today. Unfortunately, developments such as the cracks in transatlantic relations, the fact that the USA is not fulfilling its global leadership role, the European Union's failure to play a balancing and effective role on the international plane by overcoming its internal problems, feeds this perception.

Although Turkey has stated many times that close relations with Russia are no alternative to the West, Turkey's acquisition of the S-400 missile defense system and therefore its exclusion from the new generation F-35 fighter jet project, which it is among its manufacturers, undermines military cooperation, which is considered the backbone of bilateral relations with the United States, as well as raises questions about its position in NATO. Speaking at a webinar meeting of the Atlantic Council think tank on April 25, Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said there had been no change of position regarding the decision to delay the activation of the missile system. If concrete steps are not taken in different directions, such as the purchase of a Patriot missile defense system from the United States or the deployment of S-400s to another country, Turkey's strategic orientation will remain uncertain, thus blocking the normalization of Turkish-American relations.

In this background, in the final analysis, we can say that cooperation with both the EU and the United States will be conducted in a compartmentalized manner on certain issues, based on the fact that Turkey's economic interests after the outbreak have made it necessary to develop more harmonious relations with the West.

Selin Nasi

Writer & Analyst

Iku Center for Global Political Trends (GPoT )

News From Turkey and World

Definite cases: Turkey (164,769), World (6,140,934)

Death: Turkey (4,563), World (373,548)

WHO Risk Assessment: Global level - Very High

This Journal was prepared by the General Secretariat with the contribution of the Directorate of Information System and Technologies.