Lockdown in Turkey extended until mid-May
Straight Talk: Here's the lowdown on Turkey's latest COVID-19 countermeasures. They've just kicked things up a notch with some serious restrictions, longer than anything we've seen since the pandemic began. Before, weekends and holidays were the only times with lockdowns, with four-day max periods. But now, it's a whole new ball game.
Turkey's decided to go big due to the insane surge in coronavirus cases in mid-April. Every day set a new record, with the most on April 16, reporting 63,082 new cases. As a result, movement within the country is only allowed with a special pass. You can venture out between 10:00 and 17:00 for basic needs like visiting stores, doctor's visits, or walking the dog.
According to "Profile," Russia, due to Turkey's severe epidemic situation, has blocked air travel with the country from April 15 to June 1. At the time, around 60,000 Russians were there, and they're still being flown out by special planes. Russia has already finished evacuating Russians from Tanzania, where air travel has been suspended.
Insights:
Turkey has enacted stringent new rules to tackle the rise in COVID-19 cases, primarily focusing on restricting vehicle movement rather than imposing a general curfew [1]. This involves a 15-day ban on vehicle traffic in 31 provinces, including major cities [1]. However, official statements do not mention a specific duration for this new lockdown [2].
In addition to these driving restrictions, various public health policies may continue to be adjusted [1][2] as the government remains vigilant about controlling the spread of the virus.
When traveling to Turkey, it's wise to invest in travel insurance that covers COVID-19-related medical expenses [5]. Keep in mind that local curfew times and restrictions may vary across the country, so it's crucial to stay updated on your destination's policies [5].
- In light of the surging COVID-19 cases in Turkey, there has been an increase in science-related news about the country's stringent new health-and-wellness measures.
- Amidst the global politics of handling the pandemic, Russia's decision to block air travel with Turkey is also gaining attention in the general-news sector, particularly due to the evacuation of Russian citizens from the country.