COVID-19 in Turkey: Lessons Learned.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Policy

Background:

• Turkey's first COVID-19 case was reported on March 10, 2020.
• The study reviews Turkey's mitigation strategies and lessons learned for future pandemic preparedness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present Turkey's COVID-19 mitigation efforts.
• To review lessons learned for proactive strategies.
• To propose an epidemiologic investigation framework for better COVID-19 control and forecasting.

Main Methods:

• Review of national mitigation efforts including healthcare capacity, treatment protocols, and public health interventions.
• Analysis of early detection, contact tracing, and social distancing measures.
• Proposal of an evidence-based framework for data analysis and epidemiological investigation.

Main Results:

• Turkey's healthcare system has managed the surge pressure through high ICU bed/ventilator capacity, national treatment algorithms, free testing/medications, extensive contact tracing, and early social distancing measures.
• Weekend curfews in selected cities further supported healthcare system management.
• The study highlights the need for data-driven strategies for effective transition and normalization.

Conclusions:

• Turkey's proactive mitigation strategies have been effective in managing the initial COVID-19 surge.
• An evidence-based, proactive control system is crucial for normalization.
• Detailed analysis of national COVID-19 data and an epidemiologic investigation framework are urgently needed for improved understanding, control, and forecasting.