Coronavirus in Izmir, Turkey

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Mar 19, 2020 Update

We Asked: What is currently happening with regard to the Coronavirus outbreak in your area? Please provide as much detail as possible. She replied...

I don't know. I'm staying at home.

How People are Coping

We Asked: How are people handling the situation in your area? She replied...

I don't know. By phone, my friends here are staying, One living in Selcuk said the stores are running out of supplies.

Government Response

We Asked: Describe how the government of the country about which you are reporting is handling this situation. She replied...

As far as I can tell, the government has handled the situation better than in Europe or the United States!

Preparing for the Future

We Asked: What are you doing in terms of preparations in case the situation deteriorates in your location? She replied...

I'm going shopping soon. I've been confined for almost a week now.

Lockdown & Passing the Time

We Asked: Are you staying home? If so, how are you passing the time? She replied...

Yes, I'm a writer, so I read, write, watch TV, listen to my wonderful CD's, do sewing projects, clean house, cook, keep in touch with family and friends via phone and internet.

Public Healthcare & Public Hospitals

We Asked: Are you enrolled in the public healthcare system where you live? Do you feel that the public hospitals are handling or preparing for the Coronavirus outbreak effectively? She replied...

I have been enrolled in SGK, public health, for over 5 years. A private clinic where I plan to have cataract surgery informed me that as of this year, foreigners can no longer use the system, except for emergencies.

Private Health Insurance & Private Hospitals

We Asked: Do you have private health insurance? If you have private insurance, does this give you access to private hospitals? Are private hospitals or clinics better prepared, less prepared, or the same? Please explain. She replied...

No.

Hospital of Choice for Coronavirus Treatment

We Asked: Would you choose a public or private hospital if you needed treatment for Coronavirus? Why? If there is a specific hospital that you would go to in the event of severe illness? Which hospital and why? She replied...

I'd go to a public one since it's nearby.

Returning Home

We Asked: Are you considering returning to your home country due to the Coronavirus? Would this be a temporary move or a permanent repatriation? Please explain. She replied...

No.

Advice for People Outside of Izmir, Turkey

We Asked: If you live in an area already heavily affected by coronavirus, what advice would you share with others elswhere in the world who may be facing the same challenges in the future. She replied...

Stay home. Avoid crowds. Above all listen to and follow the advice to the healthcare experts.