Critical management of COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey

Abstract

In Early December 2019, a novel coronavirus (CoV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged in Wuhan city, Hubei province in China. SARS-CoV-2 was identified to be in betacoronavirus group as the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-1). The disease caused by this virus termed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by World Health Organization (WHO), has a wide clinical spectrum from asymptomatic to pneumonia, respiratory failure and even death. COVID-19 is highly contagious and human to human transmission was confirmed. As of December 28th 2020, there are globally 79 515 525 people infected with SARS-CoV-2. So far SARS-CoV-2 has spread to 220 countries including Turkey. Numerous measures implemented such as face mask usage, temperature measuring, social distancing, closure of workplaces and schools for the physical protection. Although almost a year has passed since the pandemic first emerged, the number of cases in the country has reached its peak. Therefore, new measures and restrictions have begun to be taken. Many vaccines have been released on the world market and a 91% effective Chinese coronavirus vaccine is expected to arrive in Turkey within the next few days.