Health minister says coronavirus infections on the rise in eastern Turkey

Duvar English

Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca has said that the country's three largest provinces of Istanbul, Ankara and İzmir have recently seen a decrease in the number of coronavirus cases, whereas infections are on the rise in eastern Turkey.

"We know that Istanbul consists of about 60 percent of all cases. But, I can say that infections are on the decrease in our provinces such as Istanbul and İzmir. But there is a partial increase in the regions of Central Anatolia, the Eastern Anatolia and Southeastern Anatolia. Ankara had also seen an increase, but figures also started to decrease there," Koca said.

The minister made the comments on June 10 during a press conference after chairing a meeting of the Health Ministry's Coronavirus Science Committee.

Masks become obligatory in Diyarbakır

Koca's comments came amid reports that the southeastern province of Diyarbakır has seen 300 new cases in the last week, with experts warning against a second wave of infections.

Due to this new surge in infections, authorities on June 10 introduced mandatory mask-wearing for Diyarbakır residents at all times when they are outside.

The increase of cases comes following the relaxing of virus restrictions for the past few weeks. As part of the “new normalization process,” the government lifted restrictions on intercity travel and allowed restaurants, cafes, parks and sports facilities to reopen from June 1.

Minister Koca warned on June 10 that "the risk is still prevalent" in the normalization period and urged people to wear masks and abide by social distancing measures at all times.

"We have two weapons in the active fight [against the virus]: mask and social distancing measure. It is our responsibility to our state and nation to abide by the measures...Our guideline in the process of normalization is the fact that the risk continues. It is possible to reach the very last case only by following the measures," Koca said.

Average age of newly infected patients is 36, says minister

Koca also shared the daily coronavirus infection data during the press conference. Turkey's death toll from the coronavirus rose by 17 to total 4,746 and new confirmed cases rose by 922 to bring the country’s total to 173,036, he said.

The minister also wrote on Twitter that the average age of newly infected patients is 36, whereas the average age of people who died of the virus is 71. "The idea that the virus has weakened is risky. What is 'normal' is precautions," he wrote.