Turkey’s daily COVID-19 infections have dropped to levels last seen in mid-March as the country nears two weeks in its strictest restrictions.
Heath Ministry statistics showed 15,191 new infections Sunday and 283 deaths. Confirmed cases averaged around 60,000 per day during the peak week mid-April.
More than 43,000 people have died in the pandemic. The Turkish government introduced a full lockdown from April 29 until May 17, ordering people to stay home and closing down businesses and schools.
Millions of people who work in jobs deemed essential — like factories, hospitals and the tourism sector — are exempt. Foreign tourists are also exempt, according to The Associated Press.
Turkey’s president said the lockdown aims to bring daily infections below 5,000 and for tourists to come.
France and the United Kingdom recently introduced mandatory quarantines for travelers returning from Turkey.
The British government told fans not to travel to Istanbul for the Chelsea- Manchester United Champions League final on May 29 and has offered to have Wembley Stadium in London host the game.
