The Turkish Government’s Activities and Measures Taken

27.04.2021

In line with the decisions taken in the Presidential Cabinet; New measures will be added to the currently implemented partial closure measures, and a full closure period will be initiated. It is considered that the following measures should be taken to cover the entire country in the full closure period that will last from 19:00 on Thursday, April 29, 2021, until 05:00 on Monday, May 17, 2021.

 In addition to the measures specified in our Circular dated 14.04.2021 and numbered 6638 during the full closure period;

  1. Curfew Restriction

A full-time curfew will be applied, starting at 19:00 on Thursday, April 29, 2021 and ending at 05:00 on Monday, May 17, 2021, regardless of weekdays and weekends.

1.1- On the days when the curfew restriction will be applied, the places and persons specified in the Annex will be exempted from the restriction in order to ensure the continuity of production, manufacturing, supply and logistics chains and the continuity of health, agriculture and forestry activities.

Exemptions for the curfew are limited by the reason for exemption and, accordingly, the time and route, as clearly stated in our circular dated 14.12.2020 and numbered 20799, otherwise it will be considered as abuse of exemptions and will be subject to administrative / judicial sanctions.

 

1.2- On the days when the curfew is restricted, grocery stores, markets, greengrocers, butchers, dried nuts and fruits can operate between 10.00-17.00, provided that our citizens are limited to meeting their mandatory needs and do not drive a vehicle (except for disabled citizens), the closest grocery store, market, greengrocer will be able to visit butchers, dried nuts and fruits shops and confectioners.

Between the same hours, grocery stores, markets, greengrocers, butchers, dried fruits, desserts and online ordering companies will be able to make sales to home / address.

The above mentioned application will be valid for chain and super markets six days a week, chain markets will remain closed on Sundays.

 

1.3- On days when there is a curfew, eating and drinking places (places such as restaurants, restaurants, cafeterias, patisseries) will only be able to operate as take-away services.

Eating and drinking places and online food ordering companies will be able to deliver packages on a 24-hour basis until Thursday, May 13, 2021, at the end of the month of Ramadan. Eating and drinking places and online food ordering companies will be able to deliver takeaway until 01:00 after the end of Ramadan.

 

1.4- In the period of complete closure, the bakery where bread production is made and / or bakery products licensed businesses and only the dealers of these workplaces will be open (Only bread and bakery products can be sold in these workplaces). Our citizens will be able to go to and from the bakery within walking distance of their residences, provided that they are limited to meeting their bread and bakery product needs and do not drive a vehicle (except for disabled citizens).

Bread distribution vehicles belonging to bakery and bakery products licensed businesses can only serve bread to markets and grocery stores, and no sales will be made on the streets.

 

1.5- During the curfew, all commercial enterprises, workplaces and / or offices will be closed except for the places where the above-mentioned basic food, medicine and cleaning products are sold and the workplaces within the scope of exemption in order not to disrupt the production, manufacturing, supply and logistics chains, except for remote work. Face to face service will not be provided.

 

1.6- Having a reservation in accommodation facilities during the period when the curfew will be applied will not exempt our citizens from the restriction of curfews and / or travel between cities, and during this period, accommodation facilities will only be able to serve people who have a travel permit depending on compulsory circumstances.

 

1.7- The exemption for the curfew restrictions for foreigners only covers foreigners who are in our country temporarily / for a short time within the scope of touristic activities; Foreigners who are in our country outside the scope of touristic activities, including residence permit holders, persons under temporary protection status or international protection applicants and status holders, are subject to curfew restrictions.

 

1.8- During the complete closure process, the basic needs of our citizens in advanced age groups who are unable to meet their needs or who have severe illnesses will be met by VEFA Social Support Groups, and the necessary precautions in terms of both assignment of personnel and meeting the needs as soon as possible will be met by the Governors and It will be taken by the district governors.

 

  1. Restriction of Travel Between Cities

Intercity travels of our citizens will not be allowed from 19:00 on Thursday, April 29, 2021, until 05:00 on Monday, May 17, 2021, on which curfew will be applied, except in compulsory cases.

2.1- Exceptions to travel restrictions between cities;

Public officials (inspector, auditor, etc.) who are assigned by the relevant Ministry or public institution or organization within the scope of the performance of a mandatory public duty, will be exempted from this provision provided that they present their identity card and their duty document.

The applications to be made by any deceased relative to attend the funeral of himself or his spouse, deceased first degree relative or brother or to accompany the funeral transfer process through the e-APPLICATION or ALO 199 systems of the Ministry of Interior at the e-Government gate notification) will be automatically approved by the system without losing time, and the necessary travel permit will be created for the relatives of the funeral.

Citizens who will apply within the scope of funeral transfer and burial procedures will not be required to submit any documents, and the necessary inquiry will be made automatically before issuing the travel permit through the integration provided with the Ministry of Health.

 

2.2- Conditions to be Considered Mandatory;

Those who want to be discharged from the hospital where they are treated and return to their original residence, who are referred with a doctor report and / or have a previous doctor’s appointment / control,

Accompanying himself or his spouse’s first degree relative or sibling receiving hospital treatment (maximum 2 persons),

Those who have come to the city they are in in the last 5 days but do not have a place to stay but want to return to their place of residence (those who submit their travel ticket, vehicle license plate, other documents showing their travel, information and information),

Those who will take the central exams announced by ÖSYM,

Who want to return to their settlements by completing military service,

Private or public invitations to the daily contract,

Released from penal execution institutions,

It will be accepted that the persons have a mandatory state.

 

2.3- Our citizens, in the presence of the above-mentioned compulsory situations, provided that they document this situation; They will be able to travel on e-government, on the condition of obtaining permission from the Travel Permit Boards established under the Governorship / District Governorship over the E-APPLICATION and ALO 199 systems of the Ministry of Interior. Persons given a Travel Permit will be exempt from the curfew during their travel period.

 

2.4- Considering the increase in travel permit requests during the full closure process, all kinds of measures will be taken to ensure that travel permit requests can be quickly evaluated and resolved, especially by assigning a sufficient number of personnel by our Governors and District Governors.

 

2.5- Before ticketing for people who will travel by public transportation such as plane, train, ship or bus within the specified period, it will be checked whether they have a travel permit or if they have a valid travel permit, ticketing will be done.

HES code query will be made before the passengers are admitted to the vehicles on public transportation vehicles such as planes, trains, ships or buses, and if there is no objectionable situation such as diagnosed / contact, they will be taken to the vehicle.

 

2.6- Public transportation vehicles operating between cities (excluding aircraft); They will be able to accept passengers at the rate of 50% of the passenger carrying capacity specified in the vehicle license and the seat of the passengers in the vehicle will be such that the passengers cannot contact each other (1 full 1 empty).

 

3.To work remotely or alternately, in such a way that the minimum personnel level required for the maintenance of services in public institutions and organizations excluding critical duty areas such as health, security and emergency calls (the minimum personnel level does not exceed 50% of the total number of personnel) will be passed.

In this period;

Due to the fact that they do not have any special exemption, public personnel subject to remote and rotational work will not leave their residences except for the principles that other citizens are subject to.

For the public personnel to be employed in the service buildings / places of public institutions and organizations, a duty document will be issued by the authorized manager and will be subject to exemption limited to the route between the place of residence and the workplace within the period of duty.

 

4.The necessary measures will be taken simultaneously by the governorships under the coordination of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in order to act in accordance with the conditions of combating the epidemic in seasonal agricultural workers, livestock and beekeeping activities where mobility between provinces is mandatory, in this context, the measures to be taken in the areas where seasonal agricultural workers will stay with the inter-provincial mobility and Until a new Circular is published by our Ministry on inter-provincial livestock and beekeeping activities, we will act in accordance with the principles set out in our Circular No. 6202 dated 03.04.2020.

 

  1. In order to ensure that the full-time curfew measure is also implemented in residential sites, the site management will be given responsibility, and people (especially children and young people) who leave the site without permission will be warned about returning to their residences.

 

6.The feeding of stray animals will be given special importance during the curfew, in this context, necessary coordination will be established by the Governor / District Governors with local governments, relevant public institutions and organizations, and necessary measures will be taken for feeding stray animals, for this purpose, parks, gardens, especially animal shelters stray animals such as forest

It will be ensured that food, feed, food and water are regularly released to living areas.

14.04.2021

With the circular of the Ministry of Interior sent to 81 cities on April 14, 2021, it was stated that a two-week partial closure decision was taken to cover the country and the measures taken were listed as follows;

  1. On the days of the week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) between 19.00-05.00, on the weekends starting at 19.00 on Fridays, covering the entire Saturday and Sunday and ending at 05.00 on Mondays curfew restrictions will be applied.
  2. On weekdays; Citizens aged 65 and over will be able to go out between 10.00-14.00, and young people and children under the age of 18 between 14.00-18.00 and will not go out outside these hours.
  3. Intercity travels of our citizens, except for public transportation, will not be allowed during the period and days (weekdays and weekends) in which the curfew is applied, except for mandatory situations.
  4. Until 24:00 on Sunday, May 16, 2021, eating and drinking places (places such as restaurants, restaurants, cafeterias, patisseries, dessert shops) will not accept customers at the table in the interior or exterior areas of the workplaces.
  5. The activities of the workplaces mentioned below will be temporarily suspended until Monday, May 17, 2021.
    • Carpet field, swimming pool, gym, beauty center / salons, Turkish bath and saunas, amusement parks and theme parks,
    • Places such as coffee house, cafe, association club, tea garden,
    • Places such as internet cafe / lounge, electronic game places, billiard room.
    • Tea shops will be able to continue their activities provided that they remove their tables, chairs / stools and only serve tradesmen.
  6. Until May 17, 2021, non-governmental organizations, professional organizations in the form of public institutions and their higher organizations, unions and cooperatives will not be allowed to participate in all kinds of activities with broad participation, including the general assembly.
  7. Although the marriage process continues, weddings in the form of wedding and wedding ceremonies can be held as of May 17, 2021. Engagement, henna, ceremonies, ceremonies, weddings will not be allowed in any way until this time.
  8. In urban public transportation vehicles;
    • Seating capacity will be limited to 50%,
    • Standing passengers will not be allowed in urban public transportation vehicles where physical distance rules cannot be applied in terms of interior volume, such as minibuses / midibuses and buses without any dilution and lift in seat capacity,
    • Apart from these, in public transportation vehicles such as rail system vehicles (metro, tram, etc.), metrobuses and buses with diluted / lifted seat capacities; It will be determined by the provincial / district public hygiene boards at what rate / number of standing passengers can be admitted, without violating the physical distance rules.
    • In rail system vehicles (metro, tram, etc.), metrobuses and buses with diluted / lifted seat capacities, the sign / signboard will be hung in a way that everyone can see and the places where standing passengers can stand will be determined by physically marking them.
  9. No visitors will be accepted in social protection / care centers such as nursing homes, elderly nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, children’s homes until May 17, 2021.
  10. Food and beverage places in all accommodation facilities (hotel, motel, apart hotel, pension, etc.), including touristic facilities, will be able to serve only to guests with accommodation and provided that a maximum of 2 people are served at the same table.
  11. Discounts applied by various workplaces due to opening or specific days or hours may cause density. For this reason, discounts will be applied for long periods of at least one week in order to prevent the intensity instead of general discounts for opening or specific days or hours.
  12. Flexible working methods such as remote and / or rotational working will be used at the maximum level in public institutions and organizations in line with the Presidency’s Circular No. 2021/8. Staff under administrative leave (pregnant employees, those using milk leave, female employees with children aged 10 and under, disabled employees, employees over 60, those with chronic illnesses) will be provided convenience and the start and end hours of working hours in the public will be 10.00-16.00.
  13. With the circular previously sent to the provinces, the obligation to submit negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR test results made within the last 72 hours from all land, sea and air border gates until April 15, 2021 will continue until May 31, 2021.

17.11.2020

The Coronavirus Scientific Committee announced new concrete measures after the recommendations.

According to the circular sent to the governorships by the Ministry of Interior, new measures to combat the new type of coronavirus (COVID-19) will be implemented with effect from 20:00 on Friday, November 20.

  • On weekends, a curfew will be restricted between 10.00 and 20.00 hours so that supply and production chains are not interrupted.
  • All sports competitions will continue to be played without spectators. The activities of the astro pitches will be suspended.
  • Curfews at certain hours for 65 and over will be extended to those under 20, excluding employees.
  • Working hours of businesses such as shopping malls, markets, restaurants, barbers and hairdressers will be limited between 10:00 and 20:00.
  • Cinemas will remain closed until the end of the year.
  • Education and training at schools will continue online until the end of the year.
  • The activities of our coffeehouses will be suspended for a while.
  • Sensitivity will be paid to the flexible working order in the public and private sectors and to the determination of working hours in a way that does not create intensity.
  • Only take-away service will be implemented in restaurants and cafes.

11.11.2020

  • Within the scope of coronavirus measures, smoking is prohibited in public open places in order to stabilize the use of masks.

11.11.2020

  • In order to prevent the spread of the virus within the scope of coronavirus measures, citizens aged 65 and over have been restricted from going out to the streets outside the hours of 10:00 – 16:00.

04.11.2020

  • Within the scope of coronavirus measures, it has been decided to close restaurants (excluding package service), cafes, barbers, game halls, gyms, astroturf areas, theater, concert and cinema areas as of 22:00.

27.10.2020

  • Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, resignation requests and annual leaves of healthcare workers have been suspended.

23.10.2020

  • Within the scope of the circular on coronavirus epidemic additional measures sent to 81 provincial governorships by the Ministry of Interior, masks, social distance and cleaning inspections were carried out.

22.10.2020

  • Turkey Statistical Institute and Ministry of Health in cooperation with the scanning operation for the country to determine the prevalence of coronavirus in general has started.

21.10.2020

  • In line with the circular of the Ministry of Interior, inspections for public transportation vehicles were carried out within the scope of coronavirus measures in the inspections that started the previous day and will last 7 days in Ankara.

20.10.2020

  • The Ministry of Interior reported that, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, quarantine measures have been implemented in 34 settlements in 19 provinces as of today, and a total of 20 thousand 232 people live there.

19.10.2020

  • An additional circular on the coronavirus outbreak was sent to 81 Provincial Governorships by the Ministry of Interior.

General inspections will be held in all provinces and districts on 7 different issues for 7 days starting from Monday, October 19.

The inspections to be carried out during 7 days will be planned as follows:

19 October Monday, Public recreation and entertainment places, especially eating and drinking places such as cafes, restaurants

20 October Tuesday, All kinds of public transportation vehicles (including school buses) and places such as airport / train station / bus station where passenger transportation is carried out in the city and between cities

21 October Wednesday, Factories, enterprises etc. employing collective workers, especially in organized industrial zones. places and personnel services,

22 October  Thursday, People who were isolated due to being diagnosed or had contact,

23 October Friday, Shopping Malls, mosques and prayer rooms, astro pitches / sports facilities,

24 October Saturday, Public areas where our citizens can be found in crowds (streets, streets, parks and gardens, picnic areas, marketplaces, beaches, etc.)

25 October Sunday, Barbershops / hairdressers / beauty centers, internet cafes / salons and electronic game venues, wedding and / or wedding halls, amusement parks / theme parks

The inspections will be planned and implemented in a way that their effectiveness and visibility are at the highest level. Inspection teams will consist of representatives of relevant public institutions and organizations (law enforcement, local administrations, provincial / district directorates, etc.), village / neighborhood mukhtars and professional chambers, taking into account the expertise of each business line or location.

12.10.2020

  • In the second phase of the Ministry of National Education’s transition to face-to-face education, primary school 2nd, 3rd, 4th grades, village schools, 8th and 12th grades, high school preparatory class students and students in need of special needs have been started face-to-face education.

08.10.2020

  • New coronavirus measures have been taken in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, which started the 27th Term, the 4th Legislative Year. Accordingly, the general assembly has been discussed to work 2 days a week instead of 3 days a week as part of coronavirus measures.

07.10.2020

  • The Higher Education Institution has published a guide that includes measures to develop healthy and clean environments in universities within the scope of combating the Covid-19 outbreak.

It was stated that the Higher Education Institution shared authority with 207 university administrations that are still active in education and the decision of face-to-face education was left to the initiative of the universities, also reported that the guide, which includes recommendations such as 1 person per 4 square meters in lecture halls, was sent to all universities.

02.10.2020

  • Activities to be organized by non-governmental organizations, professional organizations, unions and cooperatives are postponed until 1 December.

30.09.2020

  • Visitors ban for the Turkish Grand National Assembly (Parliament) has been extended due to the coronavirus measures.

Citizens are obliged to show the HES code, that shows the coronavirus situation of people, in local transportation and accommodation. Public transport cards will be matched with HES codes in the appropriate cities.

21.09.2020

  • In the 2020-2021 academic year, face-to-face education was first initiated in “phased and diluted” for pre-primary and primary school first graders.

12.09.2020

  • It has become mandatory to show the HES code which shows the coronavirus situation of people at the time of buying tickets for intercity travels.

09.09.2020

  • Urban public transportation vehicles, such as minibuses – midibuses and buses without any dilution in seat capacity, will not be able to receive standing passengers.

09.09.2020

  • No music broadcast will be allowed after 24:00 in all food and beverage or entertainment venues such as restaurants, hotels, cafes.

09.09.2020

  • It is obligatory to wear a mask in all areas (public areas, streets, parks, gardens, picnic areas, public transport, workplaces, such as factories) except residential units.

02.09.2020

  • Activities such as henna nights and engagement ceremonies were banned in 81 provinces, wedding ceremonies were restricted to 1 hour. Citizens under 15 and over 65 are not allowed to attend the ceremonies unless they have a first degree relative with the bride or groom. All kinds of catering except packaged water are prohibited.

31.08.2020

  • With the decision taken within the scope of the coronavirus measures, Ankara Governorship determined the principles of “flexible working hours in public institutions” to be applied within the borders of Ankara Province. Accordingly, pregnant and chronically ill public employees can be deemed to be on administrative leave, and female personnel with children aged 10 and younger will be able to work from home until a second order.

25.08.2020

  • Activities such as engagement and henna nights were banned in 14 cities which Ankara is also included, because of an increase in the number of cases. It was announced that wedding ceremonies would only be allowed for 1 hour. Citizens under the age of 15 and over 65 are not allowed to attend the ceremonies unless they have a first degree relative with the bride or groom.

All food and beverage servings in public institutions except lunches for personnel and packaged water was abolished.

12.08.2020

  • It has been announced that the astro pitches will be opened and their inspections will be made by the municipal police teams.

07.08.2020

  • It was decided that condolence activities should not be held in any place (homes or open spaces).

04.08.2020

  • It was emphasized that teams were formed to control masks, disinfection and social distance rules in wedding and engagement ceremonies by the Ministry of Interior Affairs. Administrative fines would be imposed on those who do not comply with the rules.

22.07.2020

  • The working hour limit for public and open spaces has been lifted.

21.07.2020

  • It has been decided that restaurants and cafes which were previously stated to serve until 22:00, can serve until 24:00. In addition, it has been stated that the restrictions on the working hours of markets, outlets, barbershops, beauty centers, hairdressers and shopping malls were lifted.

04.07.2020

  • It has been stated that Amusement Parks and Theme Parks can be opened by taking the necessary mask and social distance measures. It has been requested from each facility to determine a Covid-19 officer.

28.06.2020, Sunday

  • Turkey ended the second day of limited lockdown in all 81 provinces on Sunday as part of efforts to halt the spread of the coronavirus while 2.5 million students take university exams.

27.06.2020, Saturday

  • Due to high school entrance exams On June 27 9:30 am to 15:00 will be lockdown.

26.06.2020, Friday

  • According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs circular, internet cafes will be able to start its activities on July 1, provided that Covid-19 measures are taken.

24.06.2020, Wednesday

  • Turkey reopened mosques for prayers with the congregation as of June 24.

21.06.2020, Sunday

  • Starting on Monday, anyone found not wearing a mask in cities where they are compulsory will be fined 900 Turkish Liras.

18.06.2020, Thursday

  • Due to university and high school entrance exams On June 20 9:30 am to 15:00, June 27 there will be lockdown from 9:30 am to 3 pm, June 28 from 9 am to 6:30 pm.

17.06.2020, Wednesday

  • The wearing of face masks in public has been made mandatory in 45 provinces. Ankara, Istanbul and Bursa were added to the list.

16.06.2020, Tuesday

  • Turkey has made it mandatory for people to wear face masks in public in five more provinces as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

13.06.2020, Saturday

  • The Ministry of Internal Affairs has determined measures to be applied in wedding ceremonies.

09.06.2020, Tuesday

  • Cinemas, theaters and performance centers would be reopened as of July 1 across the country.
  • People aged 65 and over will be allowed to go out between 10.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m every day.
  • Restrictions for young people under 18 completely lifted on condition that they are accompanied by their parents.
  • Marriage registration halls will reopen on June 15, followed by wedding halls on July 1.

07.06.2020, Sunday

  • TIKA (Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency) provided 1,000 N95 masks, 1,000 PPE suits, two ventilators and 5,000 medical masks to support Bangladesh for fighting COVID-19.

03.06.2020, Wednesday

  • Over 77,000 Turkish citizens who went into coronavirus isolation after being evacuated from abroad have finished their quarantines in student dormitories.

01.06.2020, Monday

  • Domestic flights resumed as part of the normalization process after the virus restrictions, with the first flights from Istanbul to major cities of Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, and Trabzon provinces.
  • In city public transportation, 50 percent passenger limitation was removed.

31.05.2020, Sunday

  • The 2-days curfew has ended as of midnight of May 31th, which had been imposed in 15 provinces as part of the measures to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.
  • Turkey on Sunday opened an emergency hospital in the Istanbul as part of the countries continues fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic.

29.05.2020, Friday

  • Turkey has started a two-day curfew in 15 provinces beginning Friday midnight in an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

28.05.2020, Thursday

  • On Thursday restarted high-speed ​​train service as part of its normalization with the novel coronavirus on the wane.
  • President of Turkey, unveiled the details of Turkey’s new steps toward normalization:
  • Civil servants will return to their job.
  • Restaurants, cafes, beaches, parks, gardens, driving courses, museums, sports facilities, will also reopen on June 1.
  • Limited restrictions would remain in place on the movements of those aged over 65 and under 18.
  • However, children under age 18 can go out on Wednesdays and Fridays between 2 pm to 8 pm.
  • Daycare centers and kindergartens will also reopen starting June 1.
  • Turkey has imposed on weekend curfew in 15 provinces beginning Friday midnight.
  • Beaches, parks, gardens, driving courses, restaurants, archaeological sites, libraries, youth centers and camps, and museums in Turkey will reopen on the same day.

27.05.2020, Wednesday

  • The 4-days curfew has ended as of midnight of May 27th, which had been imposed in 81 provinces as part of the measures to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.

24.05.2020, Sunday

  • The circular exempted the elderly aged 65 and above citizens from the curfew for 6 hours on the first day of Ramadan Feast from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m.

23.05.2020, Saturday

  • The high-speed train services will resume in Turkey as of May 28th, after they have been suspended as part of coronavirus precautions.

22.05.2020, Friday

  • Turkey’s Health Minister announced new cases of novel coronavirus stood under 1,000 despite the high number of tests.

21.05.2020, Thursday

  • Eid al-Fitr prayers will not be performed in mosques in due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

20.05.2020, Wednesday

  • Over 67,500 citizens so far were released from quarantine after completing mandatory 14-day period.
  • Citizens aged 65 and over, who have been restricted from going out for a long time, were allowed to go to their desired one-way places on Thursday.

18.05.2020, Monday

  • Turkey will impose a nationwide curfew to curb the spread of coronavirus during 23-26 May, which is also the Eid holiday.
  • Travel restrictions will be extended across 15 provinces for 15 days.
  • People over 65 years will be allowed to leave their homes, remaining within walking distance and wearing masks, on May 24th between 14 p.m. – 20 p.m.
  • Mosques across the country will gradually re-open from May 29th, starting with the Friday prayer.
  • It was announced that the new educational activities will start in September.

16.05.2020, Saturday

  • Turkey has imposed a four-day curfew in 15 provinces beginning Friday midnight in an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus that has taken 4,055 lives in the country.

15.05.2020, Friday

  • The Health Ministry announced that the total number of recoveries from coronavirus in Turkey rose to 106,133.
  • So far, Turkey has brought back nearly 70,000 of its nationals from 114 countries.

13.05.2020, Wednesday

  • Ministry of Youth and Sports declared that a total of 9,647 citizens are in isolation at dormitories across 76 provinces. Besides, 62,593 citizens have been released from quarantine after completing the mandatory 14-day period so far.
  • According to the figures of the Health Ministry, 70% of total coronavirus patients have recovered so far.

12.05.2020, Tuesday

  • Turkey will be to applying 4-day curfew starting Friday.
  • People over 65 years will be allowed to leave their homes, remaining within walking distance and wearing masks, on May 17th between 11 a.m. – 15 p.m.
  • People under 20 years of age will be allowed to go out on May 20th and 22nd during the same hours, also within walking distance and by wearing masks.
  • In addition, coronavirus travel restrictions have been lifted for the cities of Adana, Diyarbakır, Mardin, Trabzon, Ordu, Denizli, Kahramanmaraş, Şanlıurfa and Tekirdağ.

11.05.2020, Monday

  • The 48-hour curfewhas ended as of midnight of May 10th, which had been imposed in 24 provinces as part of the measures to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.
  • Hairdressers and beauty salons re-opened today and the Municipality disinfected each shop in accordance with handing in a hygiene kit.

10.05.2020, Sunday

  • For four hours on Sunday, the people aged 65 and above had a break in curfew for the first time in almost two months to step outside of their houses.

09.05.2020, Saturday

  • Turkey has imposed a two-day curfew in 24 provinces beginning Friday at midnight. Putting an effort to prevent the spread of the outbreak.

07.05.2020, Thursday

  • The Ministry of Internal Affairs issued a circular about bazaars.
  • The restriction on the sale of toys, flowers, seedlings and necessity supplies in the market places has been removed from on May 11.
  • The distance between the market booths will be at least 3 meters.
  • The usage of masks became compulsory.

06.05.2020, Wednesday

  • The Health Ministry announced that Turkey has completed the first phase of its struggle against the coronavirus.
  • Turkey on Wednesday eased curfew restrictions for people over the age of 65, those with chronic illnesses and young people under 20 years old.
  • The curfew has been re-organized for people over 65 years old in order for an allowance of 4 hours. They will be able to leave their homes, remaining within walking distance and wearing masks, on May 10th between 11.00 a.m. 3:00 p.m.
  • Children under 14 years old will be allowed to go outside on May 13th, during the same hours, while 15-20 year-olds would be able to leave their houses on May 15th, also within walking distance and wearing masks.
  • As it is Mother’s Day on May 10th Sunday, flower shops will be allowed to make home-deliveries despite the curfew weekend.
  • The Ministry of Interior, allowed beauty salons and hairdressers to begin work as of May 11, with customers to be served via appointments.
  • The shops would need to operate on only a by-appointment basis, customers would have to sit apart from each other and both clients and hairdresser would be required to wear masks.

05.05.2020, Tuesday

  • The coronavirus death toll among Turkish expatriates abroad has risen to 473. Besides, due to the outbreak Turkey has also so far brought home over 65,000 of its nationals from 103 countries.

04.05.2020, Monday

  • The Ministry of National Education announced that a booklet was prepared, in order to facilitate their adaptation by enabling children to understand and express their feelings during the global epidemic period. It is stated that this booklet will contribute to parents’ communication with children.
  • Turkey lifted a 72-hour curfew as of Sunday midnight, which has been imposed in 31 provinces to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.
  • Turkey will gradually take new steps to start post-coronavirus normalization.
  • Travel restrictions were lifted from seven cities, namely Antalya, Aydin, Erzurum, Hatay, Malatya, Mersin and Mugla at first phase.
  • The hairdressers and shopping malls will start to re-open on May 11, while people over age 65 will be allowed to go outside for four hours only on Sunday 10th
  • As of May 13th children up to age 14 will be able to go out within walking distance of their houses from 11 a.m. till 3 p.m. In addition, May 15 between 15-20 age groups will be able to go out from 11 a.m. till 3 p.m.

03.05.2020, Sunday

  • City entry/ exit restrictions for 31 provinces and curfew restrictions for groups over 65 and under 20 will continue. The numbers and decisions regarding the quarantined regions in 47 provinces are as follows:
  • Turkey has brought back over 60,000 nationals from various countries since the start of the pandemic from 187 countries.
  • A total of 63,151 people have recovered from the illness so far, including 4,892 people registered on Sunday. In addition, for the first time since March 11th, the number of recovered patients has surpassed the current number of coronavirus patients in Turkey.

02.05.2020, Saturday

  • The Turkish Government on Saturday sent a shipment of medical supplies, including new Turkish-made ventilators, to Somalia to help the Horn of Africa to combat the coronavirus outbreak.
  • A total of 167 Turkish nationals who were evacuated from Saudi Arabia were placed under 14-day quarantine on May 2nd, to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
  • The Council of Judges and Prosecutors announced that the hearings were postponed until 15.06.2020.

01.05.2020, Friday

  • In order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, a three-day curfew in 31 provinces have been launched as of Thursday midnight. Celebrations for the May 1st, Labor and Solidarity Day have been restricted and/ or canceled.

30.04.2020, Thursday

  • It has been stated by the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services that people over 65 years old, disabled, martyr’s relatives, veterans and people in quarantine, who are in demand or in need, are provided with psychological support via telephone.

29.04.2020, Wednesday

  • The Health Minister announced that the coronavirus death rate in Turkey dropped for intensive care patients from 58% to 10%.
  • As part of the country’s efforts to curb the virus’ spread, Turkey has deployed 5,849 filiations teams for monitoring. The teams have so far detected 468,390 people who had been in contact with the virus.

28.04.2020, Tuesday

  • Turkey, will apply a 3-day curfew in 31 provinces starting Friday.
  • The government is planning to continue curfews on weekends until the Ramadan Feast.
  • 151 Turkish citizens who were evacuated from Mali and Niger safely reached the country Tuesday as part of the measures against the novel coronavirus. They arrived in Erzurum province on special Turkish Airlines flights.

27.04.2020, Monday

  • Turkey brought back a total of 1,286 nationals from four African countries and Arab countries on Sunday.
  • 207 Turkish nationals returned from Somalia and Djibouti on a special Turkish Airlines flight arrived at Turkey’s Nevsehir-Kapadokya Airport.

25.04.2020, Saturday

  • The Treasury and Finance Ministry declared that Turkey’s economic support package reached $29 billion TL. The Turkish government’s steps to support the economy in the face of the coronavirus pandemic have reached a value of 200 billion TL ($28.7 billion).

24.04.2020, Friday

  • Turkey brought back 2,588 citizens from several countries as part of its ongoing repatriation drive on Friday.
  • The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) stated that, nearly 33,000 people in Turkey have been released after spending 2-week quarantine in student dormitories. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, 56,293 people were quarantined, most of them were brought home from abroad. 32,763 of them have completed their 14-day quarantine period and were released after their test results for COVID-19 came negative.

22.04.2020, Wednesday

  • Interior Ministry issued a circular Wednesday on measures that will be taken against the novel coronavirus during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

According to the circular,

  • Events as well as tents where people gather for iftar, or breaking their fast, which may attract large groups of people will not be allowed.
  • The temporary closure of streets that may be crowded during iftar and sahur times will be evaluated within the scope of the measures. Visits to holy shrines will be also restricted.
  • The selling time of pide (a pastry) will be terminated, two hours before iftar in order to prevent crowds from gathering at bakeries. Production, sales and other preparation processes will continue in bakeries after iftar hours.
  • In the statement made from the Twitter account of the Ministry of Health, it was stated that SABİM 184 Whatsapp Hotline was established.

21.04.2020, Tuesday

  • The Ministry of Interior announced that, a four-day curfew in 31 provinces will be imposed, beginning April 23rd as part of the measures to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.

20.04.2020, Monday

• A new hospital complex partially opened in Istanbul Başakşehir on Monday to assist in Turkey’s fight against the COVID-19 outbreak.

19.04.2020, Sunday

• The Ministry of Health has launched the “Life Fits Home” application to follow the spread of its coronavirüs and to help citizens live a more isolated life. With the free download of “Life Fits Home Application”, it is possible to determine how much risk the region is at with the coronavirüs.

18.04.2020, Saturday

• Turkey extended restrictions on entry and exit by land, air and sea on 31 provinces for an additional 15 days to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

17.04.2020, Friday

• With 25,000 citizens already repatriated since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, Turkey commenced a mass homecoming plan to bring back and additional 25,000 national stuck abroad in time for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

16.04.2020, Thursday

• The Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services announced that the income criterion and severe disability requirement for the elderly and disabled who need institutional care due to the epidemic have been temporarily lifted for 3 months.

13.04.2020, Monday

• The Presidency decided to continue the curfew between the dates of 18th – 19th April 2020 (Saturday and Sunday). It is stated that this curfew will continue for a while based on weekends.

• Mortgages, consumer loans, auto loans and credit card debts of nearly 800 thousand citizens were postponed by public banks.

• Halk Bank postponed the installment payments of the tradesmen within 3 months.

10.04.2020, Friday

• A curfew has been announced to cover Saturday and Sunday, April 11 -12.

09.04.2020, Thursday

• The Ministry of Health and the Turkish Pharmacists’ Association decided to distribute the free masks made over the pharmacies in the fastest and safest way.

08.04.2020, Wednesday

• The Ministry of Environment and Urbanization stated that mask and glove waste will be delivered to the municipalities as “household waste” after waiting at least 72 hours in temporary storage areas in case of COVID-19 precautions.

07.04.2020, Tuesday

• It was announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry that there was enough water in the dams and that they did not anticipate drinking water problems.

• It has been announced by the Ministry of National Defence that some army houses and military guesthouses have been opened to healthcare workers as part of the fight against Covid-19.

06.04.2020, Monday

• It has been announced by the Ministry of Industry and Technology that April, May and June instalments of the companies benefiting from KOSGEB’s (Small and Medium Enterprises Development and Support Administration) loan support program are postponed for 3 months.

• With the letter sent to the governorates by the Ministry of Health, it was announced that a mandatory mask was introduced at the entrance to health institutions.

05.04.2020, Sunday

• It has been announced by the Ministry of the Interior that people between the ages of 18 and 20 who work in public institutions and organizations, who demonstrate that they work regularly in the private sector with a social security document, and seasonal agricultural workers will be exempted from the curfew.

• From the governorships for stray animals, which have difficulties in finding food due to the epidemic by the Ministry of Interior; It has been announced that the points determined in the habitats of park animals such as parks and gardens, especially animal shelters, regularly publish food, feed, food and water, disinfect the habitats of animals and increase the sensitivity of citizens in this regard.

04.04.2020, Saturday

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided to participate in the International Coordination Senior Officers Group Meeting to coordinate citizens’ return to their countries, procurement of medical supplies, national economies and communities to continue functioning and help vulnerable groups and countries that may be affected by the crisis.

• It has been announced that the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, unemployment insurance, job loss compensation, wage guarantee fund payment and short work payments will be paid from PTT (Post and Telegraph Corporation) workplaces under the protocol signed between PTT and İŞKUR (Employment Agency).

03.04.2020, Friday

• The Ministry of Industry and Technology has announced its decision to increase KOSGEB’s (Small and Medium Enterprises Development and Support Administration) 10% non-refundable interest support limit.

• The “Ad Board Decision on Unfair Price Increases” has been announced in order to impose fines on 198 firms whose practices against the Law on the Protection of Consumers and related legislation are determined.

• It was announced that the Ministry of Interior, City Entry / Exit Measures and Age Restriction circular was published. In this context, it has been announced that all the entrances / exits to be made by land, air and sea from 30 provinces with metropolitan status and Zonguldak province, and the curfews born after 01.01.2020 have been limited.

02.04.2020, Thursday

• It has been announced that the guesthouse, which has a capacity of 100 rooms and 180 people, affiliated to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Education and Publication, has begun to serve healthcare workers and that guesthouses in 81 provinces will be allocated to healthcare workers if needed.

• The decision of the Governorship of Ankara to temporarily cease all entrances / exits from the provincial borders by land and air (public transport, private vehicle and pedestrian, etc.) for a period of 15 days starting from Friday, April 03, 2020.

01.04.2020, Wednesday

• The Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services announced that the firms providing medical supplies were not allowed to pass barcodes passive until 1 July if they could not pay their annual dues.

• The Ministry of Health has announced that its daily test capacity has reached 15 thousand.

31.03.2020, Tuesday

• Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services, Regular central social assistance (Elderly Pension, Disabled Pension, Relative Disability Pension, Silicosis Pension, Regular Cash Aid for Spouse Died Women, Orphan Assistance, Needy Soldier Soldiers For those who receive Child Aid, Conditional Education Aid, Conditional Health Aid, Multiple Birth Aid, Psycho-Social and Financial Loss Tuberculosis and SSPE Patients) Regular Cash Aid Program will be paid 1.000 TL under the Economic Stability Shield Package Support Program. It has been announced.

• Ministry of Environment and Urbanization announced that the decision to postpone lease payments in order to facilitate the payments of farmers within the scope of the “Project for Hiring the Agricultural Lands over Half of the Adequate Pay Cost”.

• It was announced that the Ministry of National Defence distributed living materials to needy Martyrs and Veterans families and civilian citizens over 65 years old who could not leave their homes.

• It has been announced that the leases of incubation companies, cafes and restaurants, management companies and companies working in the field of R&D and design are postponed for 2 months and ease of payment will be provided.

28.03.2020, Saturday

• It has been announced by Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport Investment Construction and Operation Inc. that all domestic and international flights from the airport will not be arranged for a while.

• Minister of Justice Abdulhamit Gül announced that the administrative permits of trainee lawyers, which were previously given until 30 March, were extended until 30 April.

• Family, Labour and Social Services Minister Selçuk: It has been announced that ‘Tracking Monitoring Units’ have been established for instant monitoring of our nursing homes against the Corona virus.

• Within the scope of the fight against corona virus, the Ministry of Justice announced that the measures taken in prisons were extended by two weeks with the suggestion of the Scientific Committee.

27.03.2020, Friday

• Industry and Technology Ministry has announced that BIOSIS is provided the use of a firm’s professional respirator in hospital in Turkey as the pilot made the domestic production of international standard.

• It has been announced that the Ministry of Internal Affairs issued a circular stating that the activities of all markets where clothing, toys, ornaments, bags, etc. are sold in exhibitions and stalls, especially those called social markets, have been temporarily stopped.

26.03.2020, Thursday

• Higher Education Institution (YÖK) postponed the Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS), which is planned to be held on 20-21 June, to 25-26 July 2020 due to corona virus measures. YÖK also announced that universities will not continue face-to-face education by deciding that the spring term education and training process should be continued only with distance education, open education and digital education.

25.03.2020, Wednesday

• The Ministry of Internal Affairs instructed the governorships to ensure that people over 65 years old and chronic illnesses can receive their pension at home.

• The 100th anniversary celebration activities of the Turkish Grand National Assembly were postponed.

• The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has stated that early booking advances reimbursement financing.

• The Presidency decided to postpone credit debts to Halk Bank for tradesmen and craftsmen who were damaged.

24.03.2020, Tuesday 

• Passenger entry’s’ and exit’s from Van’s Kapıköy Black Border Gate on the Iranian border has been temporarily stopped as of tonight.

• The regulation on quarterly supplementary payments to healthcare personnel, effective from March 1, 2020, was published in the Official Gazette and entered into force.

• The “Corona virus fighting center” was established at the Ministry of National Defense (RSD), where the efforts to prevent and deal with the epidemic were managed and followed.

• The Ministry of Interior sent an additional circular to the governorships of 81 provinces. According to the circular, all small and large markets in the provinces and districts will only be able to serve between 09:00 and 21:00 hours. If there are a specified number of customers in the market, no one will be admitted without leaving the customer. The highest number of customers in the market will be one tenth of the total area served directly to the customer.

• All urban and intercity public transport vehicles in the provinces and districts will carry up to 50 percent of their passenger carrying capacity.

• The Ministry of Internal Affairs has established the “Vefa Social Support Group” consisting governors/ district governors to ensure that citizens living above the age of 65, who are living alone and have no relatives to meet their basic needs.

23.03.2020, Monday

• 32,000 healthcare personnel will be appointed immediately to ensure effective combat with the corona virus.

• The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul was closed as part of the measures taken against the epidemic.

• On the other hand, the soldiers who will join their new troops by completing their basic military training with the new ones will be kept under surveillance for 14 days.

22.03.2020, Sunday

• Public personnel will be able to work remotely or alternately. The circular signed by the President of the Turkish Republic on the subject of “Additional Measures for Public Employees within the Scope of Combating Corona virus” was published in the repeated issue of the Official Gazette.

• According to the circular, flexible working methods will be implemented in public institutions and organizations, regardless of the way they are employed, provided that the minimum number of staff is available to meet the need, so as not to weaken the epidemic activities and disrupt public services.

• Those who benefit from these methods will be deemed to have administrative leave, deemed to have actually fulfilled their main duties, and their financial and social rights and benefits and other personal rights will remain reserved; Those who need the service will have to return to their jobs as soon as they are called.

• Turkish Airlines (THY) will stop all international flights, except Moscow, Adis Ababa, New York, Washington and Hong Kong, starting March 27.

• Enforcement and bankruptcy proceedings were temporarily suspended.

• It was decided by the Ministry of Internal Affairs to ensure that all restaurants, patisseries and similar workplaces remove the seating areas and do not accept customers in these areas.

20.03.2020, Friday

• Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan announced that fresh vegetables and fruits sold unpackaged in markets, greengrocers and marketplaces will be sold without being selected by consumers in order for sellers to pay attention to the necessary hygiene conditions.

• The Ministry of Health took new measures. In morgue and burial services, the staff will use gloves, N95 masks, goggles / face protectors and liquid-proof scrubs.

• The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure announced that as of 17.00, flights to 46 other countries were stopped as part of Covid-19 measures. The total number of flights that stopped increased to 68.

• The activities of men/ women hairdressers and beauty centers were stopped temporarily as of 18.00 today.

• Picnics and barbecues were prohibited in national parks, forests, parks and gardens affiliated to the ministry.

• Family, Labor and Social Services Minister Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk announced that 2 million families benefiting from social assistance will be given 1000 Turkish Liras (TL) within the scope of “Economic Stability Shield”. Selçuk stated that pensioners will receive a 1000 TL bonus to be paid in May for the Feast of Ramadan in April.

• The Ministry of Health made an important decision to increase the number of staff. Physicians with specialist training will be able to be appointed for three months to combat the virus.

• The Ministry of National Defense (RSD) announced that citizens can do their military service applications through e-Government.

• The Ministry of Internal Affairs warned citizens to comply with the “social distance” rule applied within the scope of the measures taken against corona.

• As of 24:00 hours, it was announced that all restaurants and cafes with or without drinks will start to serve only as take-away or come and buy system. Customers will not be allowed to sit inside the venue.

• People over the age of 65 are restricted from going out their houses.

19.03.2020, Thursday

• The Ministry of National Defense announced that their personnel working within the Ministry have been informed about personal protection in order not to be affected by the corona virus epidemic, and they are carrying out disinfection processes in their buildings with the support of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality.

• The Grand Bazaar, which is visited by thousands of tourists every day in Istanbul, was disinfected for the second time as part of the corona virus measures.

• The Ministry of Health made new measures for restaurants with the recommendation of the Scientific Committee. Accordingly, the distance between the tables will be at least 1 meter.

• The new measures taken by the Ministry are as follows:

* Arrangements will be made so that the distance between the tables is not less than 1 meter (preferably 2 meters).

* Windows in rooms and other closed areas will be open during daily routine cleaning and will be ventilated for at least one hour after cleaning.

* Particular attention will be paid to cleaning surfaces, door handles, batteries, handrails, buttons, telephone handsets, toilet and sink cleaning in common areas.

* Common items such as cups and plates will be washed with water and detergent after each use and will be stored in a clean environment until use.

* Restaurant staff will pay attention to hand cleaning. Hands will be washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and alcohol-based hand antiseptics will be used in the absence of soap and water.

* Personnel with any signs of respiratory infection (fever, cough, respiratory distress etc.) will not be operated until their complaints are resolved.

* People who come into contact with the personal belongings of the guests will wash their hands immediately after such procedures or they will perform hand cleaning with an alcohol-based hand antiseptic.

18.03.2020, Wednesday

• The first death occurred due to the corona. The Minister of Health announced that he lost a 89-year-old patient as a doctor.

• It is announced that, all museums and historical sites affiliated to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the National Palaces are closed.

• It was stated that flights to 22 countries were stopped.

17.03.2020, Tuesday

Some governmental precautions taken against corona virus for sectors have been listed below;

1- TOURISM

• Culture and Tourism Minister Nuri Mehmet Ersoy declared that, the acceptances of Turkey’s reservations for the tourist season which starts in March, will be postponed to the end of April due to the outbreak of corona. The Tourism Advisory Board requested an action plan from the ministry.

2- CIRCUIT BREAKER DECISION FROM BORSA İSTANBUL

• The circuit breaker triggering ratio, which has been applied as 5 percent up and down since March 13, has been lifted upwards until a second announcement. 5 percent circuit breaker triggering ratio will continue to be applied downstream in the relevant queues.

• Circuit Breaker Application (Automatic Session Stop System) briefly; in case the price changes in the Continuous Transaction Section exceeds the threshold value, it is called the situation where the transactions are temporarily suspended and taken to the order collection stage.

3- REQUIREMENTS FOR MASK EXPORT

• Due to the Corona virus outbreak in Turkey, protective masks, coveralls, scrubs, goggles, surgical masks and medical gloves exports was attributed to prior authorization in case it may be needed in Turkey. Those without permission will not be able to sell these goods abroad.

4- MIXING OF PETROLEENENOL PROHIBITED

• The Ministry of Industry and Technology requested the Energy Market Regulatory Board (EMRA) to meet the increasing disinfectant and cologne requirements. Evaluating the demand, EMRA suspended obligations regarding blending ethanol into gasoline types until June 13. Ethanol will be used in cologne and disinfectant production

5- PENSIONS FROM HOME TO PENSIONERS

• Social Security Institution announced its measures against corona virus outbreak. It was announced in the statement that all pensioners would be paid at home if requested.

• Within the scope of Corona virus measures, transactions were expanded electronically, especially for the elderly in the high risk group. All pensioners will be able to benefit from the payment of salaries at home if they request it.

6- SOME WORKPLACES SWITCHED TO HOME WORKING SYSTEM

• Companies have also changed their work systems because the Corona virus spreads much faster in crowded environments. Many companies switched to work from home to protect their employees from viruses.

7- CALL FOR PENSIONERS “DO NOT GO TO BANKS”

• According to the information received from the Banks Association of Turkey resources, pensioners, instead of going to bank branches, are directed to Internet banking, mobile banking, call centers, capable ATMs and 7 days of SMS channels on a 24 hour basis. Some banks increased the withdrawal limit from ATMs to 5,000 TL.

8- E-COMMERCE PLATFORMS DECIDED TO TAKE ACTION

• It was declared from e-commerce platforms that attempts will be made for various legal transactions after the price of a package of pasta increased to 15 TL.

Ankara Metropolitan Municipality’s Circulars about Covid-19

The Turkish Government’s Activities and Measures Taken

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