In the studies carried out on the local spread of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, at the Near East University COVID-19 PCR Laboratory, it was found out that the number of viruses carried in the respiratory tract, was very high. It was found out at the test carried out by the Near East University DESAM Institute COVID-19 PCR Laboratory that the average virus load of 69 positive cases was 2,500,000 copies. The samples were taken from the people who applied to the Near East University Hospital between 13 July and 14 September 2020.

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: "The amount of virus is high in local cases ..."
Near East University Vice-Rector, Medical Microbiology and Virology Specialist Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said "As a result of the studies carried out at the Near East University COVID-19 PCR Laboratory; Among the people who applied to the Near East University Hospital between 13 July and 14 September 2020, 69 positive people were detected." According to the analysis results, he stated that the average virus load of positive cases is 2,500,000, there is no history of suspicious contact in a significant portion of local cases, that is, people do not know from whom and how they got the virus, and that the average age of positive cases is 31 and 72% are men. Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said that 70% of 65 people who came to the country by air and sea between 1 July and 9 September 2020 and were found positive at the Near East University COVID-19 PCR Laboratory were male, and the average amount of viruses carried by cases was found to be 25,000. Stating that there is an average of 100-fold difference in virus load between the two groups (p <0.0001), Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said "Regarding the amount of the virus in the positive cases coming from abroad to the country, the double PCR strategy is applied when entering the country. If people with first PCR tests are found to be negative and then positive in the second PCR tests after entering the country, this makes people think that they may be in the early stages of the disease and carry a low amount of virus."


300 Viruses are sufficient for the contagion of the disease...
Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “When we look at the results of scientific research, it is seen that taking at least 300 viruses is sufficient to be infected and suffer from the disease. This is a fairly small amount and everyone needs to show the utmost care. Therefore, it should be avoided to be in closed places, crowded environments, and masks, distance, and hygiene rules must be taken into consideration”.