Turkey takes step on wastewater management amid virus

By Burak Bir

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey's Environment Ministry on Thursday issued a circular on the management of wastewater as part of measures against the deadly COVID-19 outbreak.

As part of the efforts to stem the novel coronavirus, Turkey's Environment and Urbanization Minister Murat Kurum announced a new circular right after another one on waste management.

"Disinfection will be applied to the treated wastewater used in irrigation. Water sports and crop washing will not be allowed in river areas where treated wastewater is discharged," Kurum said on Twitter.

Treatment facilities will strictly apply hygiene rules, he added.

On Tuesday, the ministry announced the 15-article circular on waste management due to a rise in the use and wastes of hygiene products, including masks and gloves.

Turkey has so far reported over 38,200 COVID-19 cases, and the death toll stands at 812.

The number of confirmed cases worldwide has exceeded 1.5 million, while the death toll is nearly 90,000, with more than 340,100 recoveries, according to data compiled by the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University.

Despite the rising number of cases, most who contract the virus suffer mild symptoms before making a recovery.