Eightfold rise in COVID-19 cases in Türkiye since June

By Burcu Calik

ANKARA (AA) – Based on an analysis of COVID-19 infection and fatality rates on a weekly basis since May 30, the number of coronavirus cases in Türkiye increased by eight times as the country reported over 57,000 cases in one week between June 27 and July 3, according to data from the Health Ministry.

The latest data released by the ministry on Wednesday of the week of June 27-July 3, showed that 57,113 people had COVID-19 infected, which resulted in 25 fatalities and 30,478 recoveries.

This data showed an eightfold rise in COVID-19 cases as compared to the one-week data between May 30 and June 5, when 7,322 persons tested positive, with 19 deaths and 7,843 recoveries.

Between June 6 and June 12, a total of 7,556 people were infected with the deadly virus, 20 people died, and 7,241 people recovered.

During the week of June 13-19, the number of virus-related cases rose to 10,954, with 19 people deaths and 7,653 recoveries.

Between June 20 and June 26, the number of coronavirus cases rose to 26,635 with 17 deaths and 11,256 recoveries.

- New variants

Alpay Azap, a member of Ankara University Medical School and also a member of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, told Anadolu Agency that new variants, such as BA.4 and BA.5, are the most important factor in the radical increase in case numbers.

Besides, he asserted, “There is an understanding among people that the pandemic is over, and they neglect to comply with protective measures.”

“However, it is not over as the World Health Organization (WHO) and scientific communities have been emphasizing for the last couple of months.

“The virus continues to evolve, and there is a new wave caused by the sub-typed of the Omicron variant,” he said.

Underscoring that these new strains are so contagious and even stronger against the immunity that comes from either being recovered from the virus or the vaccines, Azap noted: “We see a radical increase in the case numbers with the abolishment of all virus-related restrictions.”

Uncontrollable virus spread, unfortunately, increases the probability of people at risk of becoming infected, he stated.

“Although there is a mild course in full vaccinated and young people, there is a severe course in unvaccinated and elderly people, those with various chronic diseases, and immunocompromised people,” he added.

He emphasized the importance of COVID-19 measures in preventing the deadly virus, stating that wearing masks in enclosed areas, being cautious about social distance, and completing vaccine jabs are among the most significant precautions in this process.

*Writing by Merve Berker