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The number of newly infected with the coronavirus in Turkey, where almost all restrictive measures were lifted, continues to increase, Turkish media reports.

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Omicron - the new coronavirus variant 937

The increase in the number of cases is due to both the lack of restrictive measures and the spread of the BA.5 variant of the coronavirus (about 80 percent of cases).

Over the past month and a half, there has been a multiple increase in cases.

At the end of July, an eightfold increase in the number of infected compared to the beginning of the month was reported. 

The trend of increasing deaths due to the coronavirus is also worrying.

Experts urge people to wear protective masks indoors and outdoors (if in crowded places). 

Levent Yamanel, a member of the Scientific Council for the fight against the coronavirus, said recently that the BA.5 variant spreads "4-5 times faster" than Omicron and can be highly contagious outdoors, Sabah wrote.

According to Farouk Yorulmaz, a professor at Thrace University, the increase in the number of cases of COVID-19 contributes to the mutations of the virus.

He also urged people to wear masks.

Yorulmaz added that the new variant (BA.5) also affects vaccinated persons, although to a lesser extent, according to Hurriyet Daily News.

In connection with the upcoming start of the school year (on September 12 - note ed.), the expert pointed out that it is important to wear masks in schools. 

School leaders should ensure that students study and play without removing protective masks, Yorulmaz said.

Prof. Argirova: The coronavirus can continue to mutate even during an endemic spread

The expert recalled that one of the most important precautions to protect against the virus are vaccines.

Despite the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, Turkey's Ministry of Health does not often update data on new infections in the country.

The latest official figures are for the period August 8-14, when 143,778 new cases and 342 deaths were registered.

Over 100,400 people in Turkey have lost their battle with the coronavirus since the start of the pandemic.

Omicron - the new coronavirus variant

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