How Will the 4-Stage Normalization Plan Against Coronavirus Work? Turkey has made significant progress in reducing the impact of the coronavirus through extensive measures. As restrictions gradually ease, a phased normalization process has begun. At an Executive Board (MYK) meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a four-stage normalization plan was presented. Below are the main points from President Erdoğan’s remarks about the proposed stages.
President Erdoğan emphasized that the pace of loosening or tightening measures will depend on pandemic data, saying measures can be accelerated or reimposed as needed. Plans continue to expand the number of provinces where travel restrictions will be lifted; provinces with fewer cases will see more relaxation. During the MYK meeting, a four-stage action plan for normalization was discussed. The four stages are summarized as follows.
May 11 (Monday): Barbers, Malls, and Markets Reopen
In the first stage of normalization, markets, barbers, hairdressers, and shopping malls will reopen under specified rules. At the cabinet meeting planned for Monday, May 11, discussion will focus on lifting restrictions in provinces with low case numbers. Major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Zonguldak are expected to be among the last to have restrictions removed.
Next Stage: Mosques, Cafés, and Pandemic Hospitals
The second stage involves a gradual easing of stay-at-home restrictions. The number of days that people aged 65 and over can go out will increase, and cafés, restaurants, and similar venues will reopen with certain limitations. Outdoor congregational Friday prayers are planned to resume on June 12, with mandatory masks and social distancing.
Umrah pilgrimage visits are planned to restart in September, while libraries are expected to reopen in June. Sporting events will resume without spectators, and the number of designated pandemic hospitals will be reduced as the epidemic comes under control.
Following Stage: Open-Air Concerts and Theaters
Activities such as cinemas and theaters are planned to resume in July. In August, outdoor concerts and theater performances may be allowed under attendance limits. Events will follow seating arrangements that ensure spacing (for example, one occupied seat followed by an empty seat) and require mask use.
Plans for events like the Istanbul Opera Festival in July and the Bodrum Ballet Festival and Aspendos Opera Festivals in August are still under discussion. Gyms and swimming pools will reopen with specified restrictions and hygiene measures in place.
Another Stage: Schools Reopen in September
Schools are scheduled to reopen on September 1, 2020. By December 31, 2020, public institutions are expected to operate at full capacity, though some meetings may continue via teleconference. After schools reopen, students and teachers will attend with additional precautions: strict hygiene rules will be observed, and indoor concerts and wedding events may resume under controlled conditions. Large gatherings will be managed with appropriate measures.
When Will Full Normalization Occur?
Full normalization is planned as the fourth stage and is targeted for January 2021. At that time, everyday life is expected to return largely to normal: mandatory mask use may be lifted, flights and travel allowed without restrictions, while hygiene precautions remain in practice.