Health Minister criticizes citizens for flocking to İstiklal Avenue amid coronavirus pandemic

Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca has criticized citizens for flocking to Istanbul's İstiklal Avenue with complete disregard to social distancing amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. "All pictures from daily life need to support the daily coronavirus chart," he said, referring to the ministry's daily chart that includes the number of new coronavirus cases and the death toll.

Duvar English

Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca has criticized citizens for flocking to Istanbul's İstiklal Avenue with complete disregard to social distancing amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

"The scenes of İstiklal Avenue were not good today. It's too soon for that many people to enter a single photograph," Koca tweeted early on May 6, while sharing a picture from the street.

"All pictures from daily life need to support the daily coronavirus chart," he said, referring to the ministry's daily chart that includes the number of new coronavirus cases and the death toll.

"Let's try to stay at home. If we leave, let's use masks and abide by the social distancing rule," Koca added.

Turkey began discussing the steps towards normalization after a decrease in the number of cases and the death toll. However, experts urge authorities to be careful during the process to avoid a second wave of the outbreak.

Turkey's coronavirus death toll rises by 59 to 3,520, slowdown continues
Price of short-term military service bumped to nearly 250,000 liras Turkey's new year brings steep price hikes for cigarettes, alcohol Turkey's 10 largest banks grow assets by 30 pct by end of Q3 Turkish prosecutor investigates Zorlu Holding CEO over Ramadan email Turkey increases pensions by about 16 pct Fast food operator in Turkey declares bankruptcy, massive layoffs