Turkey announces new restrictions to stem 2nd virus wave

Weeknight, full weekend curfew going into effect as of Tuesday, among other restrictions to fight 2nd wave of COVID-19

By Sena Guler and Merve Aydogan

ANKARA (AA) – Stepping up measures against a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Turkey on Monday introduced new restrictions, including a curfew on weeknights and a full weekend curfew.

“A general curfew will be applied every weeknight from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.,” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the public following a Cabinet meeting at the presidential complex in the capital Ankara.

There will also be a weekend-long curfew, from Friday 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, he added.

In addition, people 20 and younger as well as those 65 and older are barred from using public transportation, he said, adding that restaurants will operate on a delivery-only basis.

Erdogan said the new restrictions will go into effect as of Tuesday.

On Nov. 20, Turkey had announced a partial weekend curfew from 8 p.m. to 10 a.m. and other restrictions nationwide to help stem the virus’ spread.

As a second wave of the virus began this fall, countries worldwide have reintroduced restrictions in the interest of public health.

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