COVID-19: Transport Operation from an Endemic Area

Abstract

Aim:Turkish Government launched an operation to transport the Turks living in Wuhan, China to Turkey because of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemia. In this study, the transport method, medical measures taken and quarantine process were evaluated.Materials and Methods:Turkish citizens living in China had reported to the Turkish Embassy in Beijing that they wanted to return to Turkey. Thereupon Turkish Embassy in Beijing contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, and it was decided to transport Turkish citizens from China to Turkey. The governments of Georgia, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, and Albania, who were aware of this development, requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey for their own citizens to be included in this transport.Results:A total of 42 people were transported from city Wuhan to Turkey. Among them, 27 were citizen of Turkey, 6 were citizens of Azerbaijan, 4 were dual citizens of China and Turkey, 3 were citizens of Georgia, 1 was citizen of Bulgaria and 1 was citizen of Albania.Conclusion:It suggests that there is a serious outbreak, as COVID-19 disease transmits from human-to-human and spread rapidly worldwide. Therefore, taking this outbreak seriously and taking all necessary measures will reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Keywords

• covid-19
• patient transport
• prehospital