Has the picnic ban been lifted? Among the measures taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, activities requiring close social contact—such as picnics—were banned. However, starting 1 June 2020, many restrictions were relaxed as part of normalization efforts, and life began to return to normal, albeit gradually. With warmer weather and the weekend approaching, people wishing to picnic or barbecue have started to investigate whether the picnic ban has been removed.
From 1 June 2020, as part of normalization steps and following the lifting of weekend curfews, citizens have wanted to go outside and rejoin social life. As temperatures rise, picnic areas have become one of the most popular outdoor options. Picnic sites had been among the places restricted due to the coronavirus.
Has the Picnic Ban Been Lifted?
Are picnic areas open? Is picnicking allowed? Many of the spaces that were closed under coronavirus measures have begun reopening as normalization progresses. According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Interior, parks, gardens, picnic areas, recreational sites and beaches became available for use as of 1 June 2020. The published directive outlines the decisions that came into effect on that date after the relevant assessments.
Public outdoor areas restricted due to the coronavirus—parks and gardens, recreational and picnic sites, amusement and ceremony locations, and coastal promenades—were allowed to reopen on 1 June 2020 for activities such as picnicking, sports, walking, outings and fishing, provided that the specified rules and social distancing requirements are observed (excluding barbecuing in parks/gardens within residential areas). However, the widely anticipated permission to light barbecues has not yet been granted. Therefore, citizens are not allowed to light barbecues in picnic areas at this time.