In Turkey, too, strict rules have been in place in people's everyday lives for weeks. The restrictions are now to be gradually relaxed.
Istanbul (AP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced that the corona restrictions will be relaxed. "We will gradually begin to return to a normal life," Erdogan said Monday after an online cabinet meeting in Istanbul.
Like the rest of the world, Turkey would not be able to return to a previously known normality, but rather to a "new normality". Erdogan warned that it was not yet known how long the pandemic would last. Therefore, some measures would have to be maintained, such as wearing masks, distance and hygiene rules.
Among other things, the curfew, which has been in effect for more than a month, is being relaxed for people aged 65 and over and under 20, Erdogan said. From next Sunday, they will be allowed to leave the house for four hours on set days. Travel restrictions for seven out of 31 cities and provinces would also be lifted. The metropolises of Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir remained largely isolated for another 15 days. Shopping centers would open as of next Monday, and hairdressing salons will also be able to start operating again.
The Turkish government has taken numerous measures to prevent the spread of the corona virus. Among other things, schools, cafes and bars are closed and major events and prayers in mosques are prohibited. In addition, weekend curfews were issued in 31 cities and provinces, including Ankara and Istanbul.
Turkey reported its first coronavirus case on March 11. According to official information, around 128,000 infections have been reported, more than 3,400 people died from the lung disease Covid-19. The number of cases reported on a daily basis and the number of daily cases of toes are now falling.