Skip to main content

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.
Women wearing protective face masks walk at the spice market, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, as it reopens after weeks of the close doors amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Istanbul, Turkey, June 1, 2020. REUTERS/Umit Bektas - RC2B0H9WHBPH

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.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.