Turkish man hosts 7 foreign nationals amid virus spread

By Ali Riza Akkir

MUGLA, Turkey (AA) – After seven travelers from abroad got stuck in Turkey due to coronavirus restrictions, a local came to their rescue and took them into his home.

When six French nationals and a Spaniard found themselves high and dry due to traveling restrictions in the Aegean Mugla province, musician Alper Kaya welcomed them to his home, where they all now enjoy playing music or doing yoga.

Kaya told Anadolu Agency that he sympathized with the travelers and brought them home, and the group have been together more over two weeks now, living an isolated life.

"After all, the world is in chaos and we need solidarity," said Kaya, adding that he told his visitors they could stay as long as they like.

Jon Ansolega, the Spaniard, said after all flights abroad were canceled due to coronavirus spread, he stayed in Turkey.

Saying that he was aware of "Turkish hospitability," he expressed gratitude to his Turkish host, adding that many Turkish friends also offered to help.

Maxime Baudoin, from France, said they wanted to put themselves in quarantine after learning about the virus’ spread.

Baudoin said they share a multicultural life at Kaya's place, adding that they could stay up to three more weeks.

"We’re living in the same house with individuals from three different cultures, and teaching different things to each other. As a matter of fact, this crisis has become a positive experience for us," said Hugo Taiel, one of the visitors.

The number of confirmed cases worldwide now totals some 1.5 million while the death toll is nearly 90,000, with more than 337,000 recoveries, according to data compiled by the U.S.’ Johns Hopkins University.

Despite the rising number of cases, most who contract the virus suffer mild symptoms before making a recovery.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas