The Minister Announced: Will There Be a Weekend Lockdown on June 6–7?
According to the latest updates, one of the most asked questions about the easing measures related to the coronavirus is whether there will be a lockdown this coming Saturday and Sunday. When asked after a meeting about potential curfews, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca responded that there is currently no general plan to impose a nationwide lockdown. He said that if the number of COVID-19 cases changes in any province over time, local restrictions could be imposed as needed, and curfews may be applied in specific provinces when circumstances demand.
Minister Koca also relayed that the Scientific Committee has made recommendations and that restrictions can always be considered on a provincial basis depending on local case numbers. In short, his answer to whether there will be a lockdown this weekend was that there is no general plan now, but local measures remain possible if the situation requires them.
Will People Aged 65 and Over, and Under 18, Be Allowed Outside?
When asked whether those aged 65 and over and those under 18 will be allowed to go outside, Minister Koca emphasized that these age groups have made the greatest sacrifices during the pandemic. He reiterated that current rules allow older adults (65+) limited outdoor time—previously one day per week—and that young people (under 18) have been permitted to go out on two days per week under the existing measures.
Minister Koca noted that the situation of those aged 65 and over and those under 18 has been discussed within the Scientific Committee. He said there are proposals to expand allowances for these groups and that the matter will be considered in the coming week, then announced after the cabinet meeting if changes are decided. Koca added that the details should become clear next week and that any easing for seniors and young people must be balanced with the health and safety of the wider population, emphasizing the proportional responsibility toward roughly 53 million people.