Turkey imposes new nationwide virus restrictions

ANKARA- Anadolu Agency

Amid rising fatalities from coronavirus, Turkey on Sept. 2 imposed new virus restrictions across the country.

The Interior Ministry sent a circular on expanding virus restrictions from 14 to all of Turkey’s 81 provinces.

As of Sept. 4, large gatherings such as outdoor weddings and other traditional celebrations will be toned down.

The duration of a wedding ceremony in Turkey has been limited to an hour, with a ban on dancing and serving of food.

People aged 65 and above and under 15, who are not first and second-degree relatives of the bride and groom, will not be allowed to attend the wedding.

At least one public officer will attend the wedding ceremony to monitor the measures.

Earlier on Wednesday, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said Turkey was witnessing the second peak of the pandemic as single-day deaths rose to above 40 over the past three days, a steep rise.

Nationwide inspections

Authorities are set to carry out inspections on Sept. 3 in all of the country’s provinces to check the proper implementation of the anti-virus measures, such as social distancing, hygiene and wearing face masks.

Governors, district governors, mayors, the head of the relevant government institutions and law enforcement units will take part in the nationwide inspections.

The authorities will visit crowded places, such as shopping centers, marketplaces, as well as restaurants, cafes, wedding venues, barbershops, inter-city and inner-city transport, taxis and beaches.

Those who do not adhere to the anti-virus rules will be fined.