Turkey imposes a two-day lockdown in 31 provinces from midnight

ISTANBUL

Turkey is imposing a two-day lockdown in 31 provinces, including Istanbul, Ankara and other major cities, in response to the spread of COVID-19, the Interior Ministry said on April 10. 

It said the curbs would begin at midnight and end at the same time on April 12.

Bakeries, pharmacies, emergency call centers, designated gas stations, package and postal delivery companies and animal shelters, among other businesses, will remain operational.

Individuals who are “on duty at newspapers, radio stations and television networks” are exempt from this curfew under Article 3/h of the Interior Ministry’s circular.

Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun also made a statement on the curfew. 

'The lockdown, which will be implemented in 31 provinces starting tonight, is limited to 48 hours. Businesses such as bakeries and pharmacies, which cater to the population’s urgent and basic needs, will continue their operations during this period,' the statement said. 

'We urge all citizens, who live in said 31 provinces, to comply with this weekend's lockdown without panicking, and refrain from reducing their social distance prior to the lockdown,' it added.