Breaking News: Intercity Travel Restrictions Lifted. The intercity travel restrictions that had been in place for an extended period as part of coronavirus precautions ended on Monday, June 1, 2020. These travel limits were only one of the many measures adopted to contain COVID-19. Following a cabinet meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the decisions were announced in line with recommendations from the Scientific Board. The measures decided at today’s cabinet meeting are outlined below.
What Decisions Were Taken Within the Normalization Schedule?
What decisions were taken as part of the normalization schedule? Following today’s cabinet meeting, the decisions guiding the normalization process are summarized as follows.
- The intercity travel restriction implemented due to the coronavirus has ended as of Monday, June 1, 2020. If adverse developments occur, it may be possible to reintroduce restrictions in certain provinces.
- Public-sector employees who were on administrative leave or working with flexible hours will return to normal working hours starting Monday, June 1, 2020.
- Daycare centers and nurseries will reopen on Monday, June 1, 2020.
- Institutions will monitor staff with chronic illnesses as defined by the Ministry of Health and take appropriate measures.
- Restrictions for citizens aged 65 and over remain in effect; they will continue to have limited outdoor hours, and Sunday restrictions between 14:00 and 20:00 will remain in place.
- Business owners aged 65 and over may enter their premises provided they strictly adhere to mask, distance, and hygiene rules.
- The curfew for young people is adjusted: the age limit previously set for those 20 and under is reduced to 18. All individuals aged 0–18 will be exempt from the Wednesday and Friday outdoor restrictions between 14:00 and 20:00.
- From June 1, 2020, restaurants, cafes, patisseries, tea gardens, and thermal facilities may operate until 22:00. Entertainment venues and establishments offering hookah (nargile) services remain excluded from reopening.
- Businesses located within tourism facilities are not subject to the same time restrictions. Roadside service areas and rest stops will resume operations from Monday, June 1, 2020.
- Beaches, national parks, and public gardens will reopen on June 1. Museums and ceremonial sites will also reopen on the same date.
- Animal markets will reopen on June 1, 2020; racetracks (hippodromes) will reopen on June 10, 2020. Restrictions on individual sports activities have been lifted.