İstanbul ready to ease coronavirus restrictions, says provincial health director

Photo: AA

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As Turkey is set to introduce province-based measures to replace the countrywide restrictions that have been in place since early December, İstanbul is in a "good position" to ease restrictions, the provincial health director has said.

"Number of patients has been minimized and the patient intensity in our hospitals and intensive care units have decreased," Dr. Kemal Memişoğlu said in a video message on Twitter Saturday (February 20).

"The outbreak has begun to decline in Turkey. Of course, it's not over. There is always the possibility of an increase. Therefore, we should be on the safe side.

"We are also aware that people are feeling both the economic and the psychological pressure of the long-term lockdowns and restrictions.

"Right now, İstanbul is ready for the ease of restrictions as of March 1, as announced by our president. We especially expect our students to get back to their schools and our shopkeepers to open their shops.

"We have done every kind of preparation in thor regard. The number of cases in Istanbul has been minimized, but compliance is essential for its continuation.

"There may be a third way but we should use this as leverage. We instantly measure increases with the Ministry of Health's electronic infrastructure."

After Turkey was hit by the second wave of the coronavirus outbreak, the government introduced several measures in early December, including weeknight and weekend lockdowns and restricting cafes and restaurants to take away services. (AS/VK)