As Turkey gets back to business, doctors warn second wave could follow
Cafes and restaurants reopened and intercity travel resumed in Turkey after new cases of the novel coronavirus have steadily declined, though health officials warn failure to follow social distancing measures could lead to new infections.
ISTANBUL — In Istanbul’s central Beyoglu district, residents could be seen enjoying meals in restaurants and drinks at local bars this week for the first time since venues were ordered shut in March under measures to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.
On Monday, cafes and shops reopened and a ban on intercity travel was lifted as new COVID-19 cases have fallen steadily in recent weeks, prompting state officials to ease restrictions in to attempt to resume some sense of normalcy. Turkey dropped to 11th in worldwide case numbers and 17th in recorded deaths, according to data from John Hopkins University, as ongoing curfews on senior citizens and citizens under 20 years of age appear to be proving effective.
Yet amid the positive developments, health officials warn a second wave of infections could emerge if social distancing measures are not followed.
“The period ahead is important,” Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca tweeted Tuesday. “Let’s not forget that risks remain. Our daily case numbers remain around 1,000. The outbreak is not over yet.”
