According to the survey conducted by Near East University, “The awareness of the TRNC People towards the new Coronavirus is high …”
Date Added: 18 May 2020, 15:19
Last Updated Date:17 November 2020, 11:31

Near East University Vice-Rector and TRNC Prime Minister's Scientific Committee member Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and Research Assistant Nazife Sultanoğlu conducted a survey titled “Awareness of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Regarding the New Coronary Virus Outbreak” to measure the knowledge and awareness of the TRNC people about the New Coronavirus (COVID-19) that surrounds the world.

The questionnaire, which was administered to the TRNC people regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed to investigate their knowledge, attitudes, and how well they complied with the recommended health practices; In the first part, demographic information, in the second part, the level of knowledge and behaviors of the participants were analyzed, and in the third part, the attitudes of the participants towards the epidemic were analyzed. The issues that stand out from the survey are listed as follows:

97% of the community thinks awareness is important in preventing Pandemic...
The information provided by the Press and Public Relations Directorate of Near East University reveals that according to the results of the survey conducted with 738 people on Facebook, 97% of the TRNC people think that increasing awareness about COVID-19 outbreak is important in preventing the spread of this disease.

29% of the people never left home ...
According to the outcomes of the survey, which received higher participation rate from Nicosia, Kyrenia and Famagusta regions, 29% of the people never left the house during the partial curfew in the framework of the measures taken against the COVID-19 outbreak. During this period, 79% of the people went to the market, pharmacy and bank to meet the needs.

Compliance with hygiene and distance rules 95% ...
In order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, it was noted that 95% of the public followed the health information rules, and the social distance and hygiene rules determined against the virus were also observed. 97% of the participants stated that they frequently wash their hands with water and soap for at least 20 seconds, while 88% used one-time wipes while coughing and sneezing, if wipes were not available, they used inside of their elbow for sneezing and coughing. 91% of the respondents stated that they use antiseptic hand gels and cologne in environments without water and soap, 94% avoid clinging, shaking hands and kissing, and maintain a distance of at least one meter. 84% of the survey participants stated that they pay attention to home and surface cleaning in the COVID-19 outbreak, open windows and frequently ventilate the house, clean cell phones, tablets and computer keyboards with alcohol-based disinfectant or cologne.

Care was taken to use the mask ...
It was found out that 75% of the respondents wore masks even though there were no signs of disease, 85% did not touch their mouths, noses or eyes with their hands, and 72% wore gloves.

Pandemic news learned from social media ...
According to the survey results, which revealed that 77% of the TRNC people first heard about the New Coronary virus outbreak through their social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social networks, 87% of the society learned about the development of COVID-19 outbreak and the measures taken in general from Facebook.

83% believe that the fight against the virus can be successful...
According to the survey, 83% of the respondents believe that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus could win the fight against the new Coronavirus.