|
Dr. Mahmut Ozan Findik checks his personal protective equipment (PPE) in a mirror ahead of performing a tracheotomy operation on a patient infected with the COVID-19 virus at the Acibadem Altunizade Hospital on April 18, 2020 in Istanbul, Turkey. Since the start of the Corona virus outbreak in Turkey on March 11, 2020, Acibadem Altunizade Hospital has dealt with many of the most severe cases, due to being one of Turkey’s most high-tech facilities. At the start of the outbreak the hospital formed a 175 strong specialized corona team, taking doctors, nurses and assistant staff from all departments of the hospital and transforming three areas of the hospital into specialty facilities dedicated to COVID-19 cases, including an emergency entrance, a 23-bed dedicated ICU and an in-patient ward for non-severe or recovering patients. As of April 19, according to the Health Ministry, Turkey has 2,017 Coronavirus related deaths and confirmed cases have risen to 86,306 overtaking neighboring Iran. Despite the rising numbers Turkey has avoided a full lockdown and continues to implement 48-hr weekend lockdowns and constant revisions of current restrictions. The interior ministry has extended restrictions on travel between 31 cities for another 15 days, a curfew continues to be in place for anyone over the age of 65 and under 20, schools, cafes, bars and non-essential businesses remain closed. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
|
