Turkey: Government records highest 24-hour COVID-19 death toll on April 2 /update 12

Event

On Thursday, April 2, the Health Ministry recorded 79 new coronavirus (COVID-19)-related fatalities in a 24-hour period, representing the largest recorded increase of deaths in a single day since the beginning of the pandemic in the country. Furthermore, Turkey also reported 2456 new cases in the same time span. As of April 2, health officials have confirmed 18,135 cases nationwide including 356 deaths, and 415 recoveries.

On Monday, March 30, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that a total of 41 residential areas across the country have been put under quarantine with authorities urging the public to stay at home. As a result of the quarantine, parks and shorelines have been closed for pedestrians and inter-city bus and ferryboat services have also stopped.

The government has yet to declare a nationwide curfew and stay-at-home order, and Erdogan stated that this was to ensure the continuity of production to support export and the supply of basic needs. Local authorities have been granted special permissions from the Turkish government to introduce new restrictions if necessary.

On March 27, all international flights were suspended until further notice. Authorities have also imposed a travel ban for 30 cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, as a precautionary measure, however, inter-city travel will be permitted with formal permission from local governors. Additionally, passengers on public transportation will be required to sit separately from each other. Turkey's land borders with Greece, Bulgaria, Iran, and Iraq remain closed to prevent further spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, all schools, universities, restaurants, bars, cafes, and cinemas remain closed nationwide. On Tuesday, March 24, authorities announced that supermarket opening hours will be limited to between 09:00 to 21:00 (local time) with a maximum of one customer for every 10 square meters of shop space. Buses will not be allowed to exceed 50 percent capacity so that passengers can maintain appropriate social distancing. Officials have also suspended public events and activities. Turkish citizens aged 65 and above, as well as individuals who suffer from chronic illnesses, are restricted from leaving their homes or walking in public areas.

Further international spread of the virus is expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus. 

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. 

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly, and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.  
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.  
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the virus.