The Ministry of Health in Turkey has announced 1,517 new cases of coronavirus infections over the past 24 hours. The total number of recorded cases has reached 265,515. The total number of ‘recoveries’ is recorded as 241,809.
In Turkey, 6,245 people have reportedly died with COVID-19. Thirty six people reportedly died with this on 28 August. The total number of tests conducted by Turkey is 6.83 million.
Amongst those who are infected by coronavirus, 7.4 percent suffer from pneumonia. The number of patients in critical condition is reportedly 896, according to Turkey’sd Health Ministry data.
However, the Medical Health Associations do not agree with these figures that have been produced by the ministry. Dr Ali Karakoc, chair of Ankara’s Medical Association said: “The numbers stated by the Ministry are around 1500, but this does not even reflect the number of cases we see in Ankara alone”.
Dr Karakoc was quoted in Cumhuriyet on 28 August as stating that the “pandemic hospitals are at full capacity in the capital and there are no beds left to treat any more people”.
The lifting of health restrictions has resulted in increased infections
The lifting of health restrictions by the Turkish government in June has resulted in an increase in the number of cases of people who are infected by the virus.
Many experts have criticized the lifting of these restrictions, claiming that ‘it is still too early’ to do so.
New lockdowns and precautions might be on their way throughout the country. Already, lockdowns and increased precautions have been re-introduced in some provinces.
The Governorship of Istanbul has stated that some events and gatherings such as wedding ceremonies will not be allowed in indoor areas from 8pm on 31 August.
There is still an ongoing debate in Turkey about the re-opening of universities and schools. Public transportation in big cities is also an issue that is the focus of heated debates.
According to ‘Worldmetres’, Turkey is currently listed as 23rd in the worldwide list of the highest number of cases of people who have died with COVID-19. It ranks at number 17 in the world for the number of total cases registered. Worldmetres reports that Turkey has experienced the highest number of coronavirus death related cases since mid-May this year.
