Turkey Records Highest Increase in Coronavirus Cases as Death Toll Hits 92

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Turkey's coronavirus death toll has reached 92 as 17 people died in the last 24 hours, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca has announced.

He said in a press briefing after a meeting with the ministry's science committee that 7,533 people were tested in the last 24 hours and 2,069 were found to be infected. The number of Covid-19 patients has reached 5,698 as more than 47 thousand tests have been carried out so far, the minister added.

Last two days saw the highest increase in the number of cases with 49 percent and 57 percent respectively. 

He further said 42 patients have been discharged from hospitals after recovering from the deadly virus as 344 others were treated at intense care units. Sixty-three percent of the intensive care units in the country are currently occupied, he noted. More than 3.6 million N95 respirators were distributed to state institutions as part of coronavirus measures, he added.

'Time spended outside should be restricted'

Koca also said that they advised the government to impose restrictions on time spent outside: "The most important issue is to restrict time spent on the street. This advice has been one of the most important topics. Social life needs a new order by reducing social mobility and contact."

When asked by a journalist whether a city would be quatantined, he said, "I didn't say such a thing," adding that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has the last say on their advice.

Earlier in the day, Turkey imposed quarantine for the first time during the pandemic in four villages and one town in the Black Sea province of Rize. Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu told NTV today thay a total of 12 places have been quarantined so far.

When asked about whether there will be a curfew, he said, "I can't say there is no need for a curfew."

While athorities have not imposed a general curfew or travel restrictions so far, they advise citizens to stay home, apply hygiene practices and socially distance from other people.

The novel coronavirus outbreak began in China's Wuhan city in December 2019. It has now spread to at least 175 countries and territories, infecting more than 566 thousand people and killing more than 24 thousand, according to data compiled by Washington University in the US. Over 127 thousand people have recovered from the disease. Italy, China, Iran, and Spain continue to be the countries hardest hit.

(EKN/VK)