Today marks the start of a new phase in normalization. Following the announcement by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the directive issued by the Ministry of Interior, as of July 1, 2020, cinemas and theaters, wedding halls, internet cafes and electronic gaming venues are reopening. The new normalization schedule includes detailed guidance on social distancing and hygiene rules, summarized in the following article. With the beginning of the new phase on Wednesday, July 1, venues that had been closed under coronavirus restrictions—cinemas, theaters, outdoor performance venues, internet cafes, electronic gaming centers and wedding halls—are reopening under specified safety measures.
How Will Weddings Be Conducted in the July 1 Normalization Schedule?
Under the instructions of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Ministry of Interior issued a circular to the governorships of all 81 provinces titled “Measures to be Applied at Wedding Ceremonies.” According to this circular, wedding halls may resume operations from today provided they follow social distancing rules. Weddings should be held outdoors when possible and kept brief. Attendees must wear masks; gift-giving ceremonies and dances will be suspended. Welcoming and seeing-off ceremonies must follow the rules set out in the circular.
What Rules Must Wedding Halls Follow?
Beginning July 1, 2020, wedding venues must adhere to several mandatory measures to reduce infection risk. The key rules include:
- Weddings should take place outdoors whenever possible and be kept short.
- Venue operators must prepare a distancing plan for common areas and seating arrangements. The guest capacity of the venue will be determined according to this plan. The permitted capacity will be posted in a visible place at the entrance. Distance markers must be used at entrances to prevent queues from forming.
- Signage informing guests about cleaning, mask use, physical distancing and other required rules must be posted at entrances and in appropriate locations inside the venue.
- All guests will have their temperature checked on entry. Anyone with a temperature above 38°C will be directed to the nearest health unit.
- Hand antiseptics or disinfectants must be available at entrances and in shared areas.
- Each table should have an adequate supply of hand sanitizer or cologne containing at least 70% alcohol.
- Guests must wear masks inside the venue. Venue operators must keep a sufficient supply of masks and provide them at entry to anyone without one.
- When possible, waiting rooms for the bride, groom and other private areas should have natural ventilation.
- Seating must be arranged so that the distance between tables is at least 1.5 meters and the distance between chairs is at least 60 cm.
- Physical distancing and seating rules do not apply to guests who are members of the same household.
- Handshakes and hugs are strictly prohibited during welcoming, farewells and gift-giving ceremonies.
- Group photos will not be permitted.
Cinemas, Theaters and Internet Cafes Reopen Today
Cinemas, theaters and performance centers that suspended operations in March due to the coronavirus will reopen on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. These venues must comply with the new rules set out as part of the normalization process.
According to the Ministry of Interior’s circular to provincial authorities, customers will not be allowed to enter internet cafes or electronic gaming centers without masks, and masks must remain on while inside. The Minister of Family, Labor and Social Services, Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk, also announced that day-care centers operating in 75 provinces resumed activities as of today, July 1, 2020.
What Rules Apply to Cinemas, Theaters and Internet Cafes?
Operators of these establishments are required to implement all measures outlined in the circular and determined by the Coronavirus Scientific Committee. Key obligations include cleaning, mask use and social distancing measures, including:
- Operators must prepare a distancing plan for common areas and seating. Customer capacities in internet cafes and electronic gaming halls will be set according to distancing requirements and the permitted capacity posted visibly at the entrance. Only the number of customers allowed by that capacity may be admitted.
- Signage about cleaning, mask use, distancing and other required measures must be posted at entrances and in suitable locations inside the premises.
- The maximum number of people allowed inside at one time, including staff and customers, will be planned so there is at least 4 square meters per person.
- There must be at least 1 meter between individuals and between tables. Distancing measurements will be marked. For multi-person gaming units, there must be at least 1 meter between players.
Where possible, customers will be encouraged to use contactless payment methods. Customers should be reminded to use cards or contactless payment and avoid cash. POS devices must be disinfected after each customer use.