The COVID-19 pandemic trends largely stabilized across the country but Health Minister Fahrettin Koca says Istanbul, a city with a population of more than 15 million people, makes up 40% of the total number of patients.
Like in all provinces, Istanbul is subject to strict restrictions going hand in hand with “controlled social life.” Though lockdowns have not been imposed in months, residents are mandated to wear masks and face routine inspections over whether they are violating the rules and social distancing.
Koca started a week-long visit to the city on Monday and is holding regular meetings with local administrators to assess the situation. The Coronavirus Scientific Advisory Board will also hold its weekly meeting in the city later this week.
Recep Öztürk, a member of the board, says the residents of Istanbul are at risk based on the current data. “In other words, infection risk from a seemingly healthy person is twice as high in Istanbul compared to other cities,” he warned.
