President Erdoğan’s Announcement on New Coronavirus Measures
Following the Scientific Committee meeting, President Erdoğan announced the decisions taken. He detailed the new measures against the coronavirus one by one. Effective tonight, entry to and exit from 30 metropolitan provinces and Zonguldak—where respiratory illnesses are notably high—will be closed except for specified exceptions. In addition, a curfew will be imposed on citizens born on January 1, 2000 or later, similar to the existing restriction for those aged 65 and over.
President Erdoğan continued by noting that Turkey has acted from the start based on available data, taking all necessary measures to delay the virus’s arrival. Since the coronavirus appeared within our borders, the process of detecting cases and providing treatment across the country has proceeded successfully. In terms of confirmed cases, number of recoveries, deaths, population size and the scale of the outbreak, Turkey ranks well compared with other countries facing the pandemic. Turkey is among the best-prepared countries for this situation. What is required of us now is to remain united and adhere strictly to all measures until the pandemic threat has passed.
Separately, President Erdoğan said the Scientific Committee is monitoring the global outbreak minute by minute and advises the government on necessary measures. Based on the committee’s recommendations, ministries and agencies evaluate developments both worldwide and domestically and determine the precautions to be implemented. The measures to be taken and complied with are outlined below.
Entry and Exit to 30 Metropolitan Cities and Zonguldak Are Closed
Effective tonight, entry to and exit from 30 metropolitan cities and Zonguldak—an area with a high incidence of pulmonary conditions—are closed, except for designated exceptions. Access is prohibited except for sectors and logistics defined in the circular and for supplies such as food, medicine and hygiene products. Freight and passenger transportation, including international freight transit, will continue to pass through these cities. Provincial pandemic authorities may broaden measures if necessary. The initial 15-day period may be extended if deemed required.
Curfew Introduced for Those Aged 20 and Under
The existing curfew for those aged 65 and over is now extended to include those aged 20 and under. From midnight, citizens born on or after January 1, 2000, as well as citizens aged 65 and above, are strictly prohibited from going outside.
For those who must go outside, new rules will apply. Wearing masks will be mandatory in places where people gather, such as marketplaces and supermarkets. Provincial pandemic councils will implement additional measures from tomorrow to reduce public movement in all cities. People must not gather in public spaces, including streets, in a way that creates crowds; social distancing must be observed at a minimum of three paces. Administrative and judicial penalties will be applied to those who insist on acting contrary to these rules.