Covid-19 Normalization Shouldn't be Dictated by 'Market Pressure,' Says Medical Association

Taksim Square, İstanbul (Photo: AA)

Click to read the article in Turkish

The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) has warned the government to take steps of normalization from the new coronavirus pandemic in accordance with epidemiological data rather than the "market pressure."

The government on Monday (May 4) removed travel restrictions for some cities, announced that hair salons and shopping malls would reopen on May 11, and curfew for people older than 65 and younger than 20 would be eased. 

While the TTB admitted that people expected to return to normal life for both economic and psychological reasons, it noted that the epidemic was not over yet, as shown by the daily new cases, deaths and coronavirus tests.

Daily fatalities in the country have dropped to two-digit numbers and new cases have dropped below 2,500 in the last 10 days, according to the Health Ministry figures. It reported 1,832 new cases and 59 deaths yesterday (May 5). Turkey has the eighth most cases and 13th most fatalities in the world, according to data compiled by the US-bases Johns Hopkins University.

"The decrease in the announced figures are pleasing and encouraging. However, we shouldn't be languorous," the statement said, adding that the normalization process should be away from "market pressure" and be under scientific coordination in accordance with epidemiological data.

"The decisions to be taken about the outbreak should not be affected by populism, they should be human-oriented without discrimination and should include steps to meet all human economic and social needs with a social state understanding.

"Considering that a new spread may occur, it should be ensured in all hospitals, both public and private, in family healthcare centers and all units that provide healthcare service, that there is no shortage of personal protective equipment." (AS/VK)