COVID-19 Salgınında Türkiye’de Normalleşme Sürecine Geçiş: Ankara İli Örneğinde Toplumsal Bir Bakış

Abstract

Research ArticleThe study aims to assess the social perspective on transition to the normalization process as many COVID-19 restrictions are easing as of June 1, 2020 in Turkey. As a global crisis, COVID-19 requires a correct and effective risk communication and management in all processes. During a pandemic, social reflections cannot be ignored. Analyzing the opinions that the society has experienced and agreed upon will be a guide for future risk communication studies. In accordance with this purpose, the literature on the COVID-19 pandemic was reviewed, and 24 original questions were prepared. Field study was conducted online between 22-25 June 2020. The population has been determined as Ankara, which is Turkey's second most populated city. 1230 people participated in the study. The findings showed that the participants thought that the decreasing number of cases and deaths caused complacency; they trusted their environment more than others, and the decision of transition to the normalization did not reduce the anxiety level of the society. It is concluded that the participants preferred to stay away from activities which could be risky for their own health and were hesitant to go to healthcare organizations for medical tests and treatments that they postponed. It is observed that the participants believed that normalization was initiated early, and this decision was made due to economic concerns. As a result, it must be stated that, in order to manage the risk correctly, the society's need for information should be satisfied with accurate and clear information, individual measures should be maintained, public and health authorities should take the necessary measures, and all of these necessities should be supported by the media.