+34
Some businesses in Istanbul feel the bite as shoppers and students avoid crowded areas heeding expert advice
of the coronavirus, the Turkish government has been quick not to underestimate the lethal human and economic impact the virus could have on the country. Italy, Europe’s fourth-largest economy has gone into complete lockdown and in Iran, the virus continues to ravage the sanction-hit country.
People in Turkey have largely followed expert advice.said that workers will "disinfect the places of worship, libraries, cultural centers, public transport and stations in Istanbul to prevent the spread of the COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus." In addition the municipality will hold events in in the six busiest squares of Istanbul including Taksim Square, Eminonu Square, Kadikoy Pier, Bagcilar Square, Uskudar Pier and Esenyurt Square where "doctors will inform the public about the coronavirus and provide information about the measures taken by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality to prevent the spread of the coronavirus across the city. Also, disinfectant will be available at mobile hygiene points for everyone" added the spokesperson.Eren Kotil, 22, a law student at Bahcesehir University is one of the thousands of students impacted by the decision to close universities.there placed restrictions on businesses, essential travel and restaurants late last week. The country has had 42 cases and four deaths. “Since I came back from Albania, I’m living in self-quarantine. I do not go outside. I do not host anyone. I always control my personal health. I useall the time. The Turkish Health Ministry suggests people that came from abroad should stay in quarantine for 14 days, and I’m following this,” Kotil tellsdemand since the outbreak has skyrocketed“It’s the first experience that I live under quarantine. It’s a bit weird, but I have got used to it easily. I study and work from home, do not meet or host any friends. As a social guy, those are really hard things to do, but I have to do it,” adds Kotil from his home in Istanbul. Istanbul is a hub of universities in Turkey with 51 institutions. Istanbul University alone has more thanDilara Kara, 23, is heading back to her family home in Antalya. A student at Istanbul University, she found the decision to close schools “comforting” in addition to the public health awareness campaigns across the country. “My friends and I try to be more cautious in everyday life because of the virus,” says Kara speaking to“We are careful not to shake hands, more sensitive to hygiene and we prefer not to go to crowded places.“ She added: “At the same time, hand sanitiser apparatus is in the service of the public in both Metrobuses and universities. In such an environment, it makes you feel more comfortable psychologically.”in a bid to assuage public concerns about the coronavirus. The government is also constantly updating advice on protective measures with nightclubs and bars being asked to close, whereas other places of work in Turkey have asked staff to work from home.Kamil Koc, one of Turkey’s intra-city bus services has seen increased business as people, mainly students head home. “Because universities and schools were shut down many people are going back to their hometowns,” says Necdat, sitting behind a counter in a Kamil Koc office, as a steady trickle of students with suitcases come in to buy tickets. “Istanbul is a very crowded space, so the policy of suspending schools is reasonable. But there are many foreign students in Turkey, so I don’t know what’s going to happen to them or where they will stay.”“I don’t worry about the virus, we have very few cases,” says Necdat as he reaches for a large bottle of
Scratch the next story
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
What Trump’s new coronavirus travel restrictions mean for Americans abroadAmericans returning to the U.S. after visiting certain foreign countries — including most of Europe — will be required to fly into one of 13 designated airports equipped to perform medical screening for coronavirus infection, according to senior Homeland Security officials who briefed reporters on background
Read more »
Israeli PM's corruption trial postponed due to coronavirusJERUSALEM (AP) — A Jerusalem district court announced on Sunday that it was postponing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's criminal trial for two months because of restrictions arising...
Read more »
French voters shun elections, enjoy sunshine despite coronavirus restrictionsVoters turned out in low numbers in France's mayoral elections on Sunday af...
Read more »
Bar Closures and Restaurant Restrictions to Take Place Across the U.S. Due to Coronavirus OutbreakIllinois, Ohio, California and Massachusetts have taken measures to close down bars and make restrictions to restaurants amid the coronavirus outbreak
Read more »
Italy Shut Downs All Restaurants and Bars Amid Coronavirus OutbreakTwo days after Italy was put on lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak, with new restrictions barring movement in and out of the country, Italian…
Read more »
Coronavirus cases spike to 94 in L.A. County as officials issue more emergency restrictionsGov. Gavin Newsom calls for seniors and those with chronic medical conditions to isolate themselves. Mayor Eric Garcetti orders bars closed.
Read more »