Turkey: COVID-19 cases surpass 200,000 as of July 5 /update 29

Event

Turkey's health authorities announced that the number of nationally detected cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) reached 204,610 as of Sunday, July 5, with 5206 associated deaths.

It is now mandatory to wear face masks in 48 of the country's 81 provinces. According to media sources, the wearing of masks is obligatory in all public spaces in the provinces, specifically in markets and supermarkets, hairdressers, and barbershops. It is also compulsory on all public transport, including Metro services, buses, taxis, and ferries. In some areas, masks must be worn when traveling in private vehicles with more than one person.

The government began lifting COVID-19 restrictions on intercity travel and other measures from June 1, allowing restaurants, cafes, parks, sports facilities, and other public spaces to reopen. Movement restrictions have also been eased.

Further spread of the virus expected in 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.