Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the lifting in may of a number of restrictive measures imposed earlier due to the coronavirus that causes as a first step towards returning the country to normal life.
Recall that the first case of coronavirus in Turkey was recorded less than two months ago – on March 11 in Istanbul. The number of cases in Turkey increased at a familiar curve: a little slow start with fast access to the Exhibitor, then a linear plot, which, subject to the effectiveness of the measures taken, turns into a flat line and decline.
Official statistics in Turkey favors the fact that the peak of infection is passed: the number of cases, which in April ranged from 4 to 5 thousand a day all last days is in the corridor of 1.5 to 2 thousand people.
Cases of “reversed” with the convalescent: the number discharged from the hospital, amounting to 1.5 – 2 thousand people per day in April, by early may, increased to a level of 4 to 5 thousand people.
In total, the number recovered in Turkey at the beginning of may, reached half of the cases – 68 thousand 128 thousand people (statistics for the coronavirus and the current situation are published on the author’s Telegram-channel “Turkey is…”).
If a couple of weeks ago the statements of President Erdogan about “coronavirus, Turkey brought under control and is about to be defeated,” caused distrust, but now, instead, gradually increasing the atmosphere of positive expectations.
the Turkish leadership, to his credit, from the beginning, not “nightmare”, or, “almost…”, nor the people for his harsh movements or their statements. In this note, introducing rather drastic measures, including a complete shutdown of social life, the closing of the international message, stopping between cities in 31 provinces of the country, the prohibition to leave the home for persons over the age of 65 and under the age of 20, a complete quarantine “of the day” for the whole country.
still, it’s doing its job the health care system and the constant outreach by the Turkish authorities before the population came to fruition: despite some mistakes, she managed to avoid the escalation of tension in the emotional and even explosive Turkish society. And on may 4, after a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and President Recep Tayyip erdoğan announced his “may decrees”, suggesting the beginning of a gradual process of returning the country to normal life.
In particular, for the two risk groups, persons under the age of 20 and older than 65 years permitted access to the street from 11.00 to 15.00 for daily walks. And on may 10 for those over 65 years, from may 13 to 14, from 15 may – 15 to 20 years.
the restrictions are Removed for intercity travel in 7 major provinces out of 31, unblocking, thus, a solid “agay-Mediterranean belt”: the Aydin – Mugla – Antalya – Mersin. Three other provinces – this is Erzurum, Hatay and Malatya.
since may 11, will be opened in shopping centres and beauty salons. They must be followed by restaurants and hotels. All social outlets are almost ready a new “antivirus” regulations of the procedure appropriate certification.
Its General goal, the Turkish leadership does not hide: for the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which this year is celebrated from 24 to 26 may, to launch domestic tourism, and thus at least to support the hospitality industry of the country for hundreds of millions of visitors – local and foreign.
Further, the plan foresees the opening to international traffic. This was a live broadcast of the weekly program “Turkish Stream” the author told the head of the Federation of Turkish hoteliers (TÜROFED) Mr. sururi of Corabatir.
According to him, the priority for Turkey is the opening of Russian and Eastern European destinations, followed by Asia and Europe. Of course, in all these plans there is a disclaimer “if all goes according to plan…” and the understanding that to open, for example, the Russian inbound tourism to Turkey need not only the willingness of the host country, but the sending – that is, Russia. That, however, does not prevent the Turkish hoteliers to voice their desire that Turkey has embarked on a gradual and selective opening of the international messages from the middle of this year.
it is Noticeable that the Turkish President, unveiled his “may decrees”, a bit in a hurry, striving not only to support the economy, but also to forestall.
Because the state, which will manage to run the economic flywheel first will gain competitive advantage for their exporters and for their hospitality when many opponents are in an unenviable position.
Although the Turks never speak in public next to the words “crisis” and “opportunity”, considering it inappropriate, but to ignore the fact that southern Europe, which Turkey sees as its main tourism competitor is in crisis, they obviously will not be hoping to get himself more visitors, including from our country.
But most importantly, quickly passed a difficult period of history the country will get the chance to, as a “victorious power”, directly involved in the formation of the so-called “new normality” and to determine the convenient rules of the game. Whether Turkey is intended to show already the near future, but bid President Erdogan his “may decrees” issued…
