As a part of the normalization process amid the coronavirus outbreak, Turkey will allow foreign scientific delegations and museum directorates to restart archaeological excavations across the country starting June 1.
The excavations will start in accordance with new anti-COVID-19 rules, which aim to stop the spread of the virus in the country.
The Ministry of Health also noted that, along with measures needed against the pandemic, rules to be followed during the season and precautions to be taken regarding excavation houses, warehouses, laboratories and excavation areas, were sent to the heads of the excavation works and the experts of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
While the importance of physical and social distancing is emphasized in the information, the use of protective equipment such as masks and gloves during field and laboratory studies was noted as mandatory. According to the announcement, the body temperature of all employees will be measured at least twice a day, in the morning and evening.
“Use protective equipment such as masks and gloves during field and laboratory works. Place disinfectant units in suitable places in the excavation houses. Excavation depots, laboratories, work and living areas should be frequently ventilated,” the note said.
It was also highlighted that only employees will be allowed to enter excavation areas.
“If anyone among the workers is showing COVID-19 symptoms, inform the nearest health institution and begin the necessary isolation processes,” it added.
According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, around 400 excavations with a budget of TL 70 million ($10.2 million) are planned to be launched by the end of this year.
Professor Nevzat Çevik, who has been leading excavations at the Myra Ancient City and its harbor Andriake in the Demre district of Antalya since 2009, said it is pleasant to see that life continues despite the coronavirus outbreak.
“Of course, we will also be nervous. We have a busy and close working environment. Sometimes a few people are forced to be side by side in a very small area. Now we will not be able to work in the order we are used to. We will establish a new working order," he said.
Çevik noted that the advantage of excavation works is that it consists entirely of dealing with inanimate objects.
“We have been dealing with germ-free objects resting underground for thousands of years. Generally, it will be advantageous if the objects are not organic, that is, virus-free. Ultimately, we will continue our work in a strict discipline of protection without compromising the outbreak measures," he said.
