Turkey considers new restrictions as infections rise
New COVID-19 cases and death rates in Turkey have returned to levels not seen since May, prompting officials to consider tighter restrictions following a partial reopening of public schools.
ISTANBUL — New daily coronavirus cases have remained above 1,500 in Turkey through the month of September, prompting officials to consider tighter restrictions to address the public health crisis that has disrupted lives around the world.
In recent weeks, deaths linked to COVID-19 rose to levels not seen since May in Turkey as the nation’s Health Minister Fahrettin Koca noted Tuesday the number of patients in critical condition has surpassed 1,500. According to data from Johns Hopkins University, Turkey ranks 19th worldwide in recorded cases, currently at 308,069, and 23rd in virus-linked deaths at 7,711.
The news comes after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday the government may need to reintroduce tighter measures to curb the rise in new COVID-19 cases, which increased gradually over summer months after initial curfews and travel bans were lifted in June.
So far, new restrictions have mainly taken the form of fines on individuals and businesses. About 16,500 people were fined a total of $1.3 million over the last month for violating COVID-19 guidelines in the capital city, according to a statement from the Ankara governor’s office. Starting this week, Erdogan said people found to be breaking COVID-19 rules would also face limits on public services.
