Turkish health experts warn new COVID-19 measures don’t go far enough
The Turkish government has introduced partial curfews and other measures to curbing rising COVID-19 cases in the country, while health experts call for a full lockdown and more transparency in pandemic data.
ISTANBUL — In recent weeks, Turkey has seen a resurgence of new COVID-19 cases and death rates not seen since the outbreak first peaked in April. In response, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced new restrictions Tuesday aimed at stemming the spread of the disease.
Starting Friday evening, the Turkish government will impose partial weekend curfews between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on most citizens, while people under 20 and over 65 will be allowed outdoors during specific hours on weekdays.
Cinemas and schools will also be closed for the rest of the year, with students resuming online education after face-to-face instruction for most grade levels resumed briefly this fall. Shopping malls and hair salons will operate on reduced hours while restaurants and cafes will offer only takeaway and delivery services.
Employees in specific sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture will continue working through the curfews “in a way that will not disrupt supply and production chains,” Erdogan said after a cabinet meeting Tuesday, adding stricter measures would be imposed if rising infection trends continue.
