Turkey May Loosen Coronavirus Measures in June, Says Think Tank

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Turkey may begin normalization as early as mid-June according to a report by the Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV).

The report expects the Covid-19 outbreak to reach the plateau on May 3 (between April 28 and May 8) with 100,900 cases. If this happens, measures may be gradually loosened in early June and normalization may begin in mid-June.

So far, 2,376 people have died from coronavirus in Turkey while total cases stand at 98,674.

"On these dates when the number of active patients is the highest (while other factors are constant), the probability of getting infected will increase for an uninfected person. Also, during this period with the highest number of active patients, the need for the resources provided by the healthcare system (number of beds, intensive care units, respiratory equipment, etc.) and the burden on healthcare personnel will be the highest," the report says.

"The normalization of life and the abolition of measures can only occur on the dates when the number of active cases is reduced to negligible. The number of active (existing) cases in the public will be low, which will minimize the possibility of infection of those who have not become ill so far."

The report also included one "strict" and one "loose" prediction. According to the strict prediction, the country will reach the peak of the outbreak between April 20 and 30 and normalization may begin in early May. According to the loose prediction, the disease will reach the plateau between May 21 and May 31 and normalization will begin in early July. (RT/VK)