Turkey reinstates lockdown amid rising number of COVID infections
Rahshan Saglam
Press TV, Istanbul
Turkey has announced tighter measures against the coronavirus, citing the rising number of high-risk cities across the country. The Turkish government is also planning to shut down restaurants during the holy month of Ramadan.
Following a late cabinet meeting on Monday, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced his government’s decision to reinstate a total lockdown on weekends in most Turkish states. The decision came after the number of daily infections with coronavirus reached more than 30,000. Erdogan also stated that during the holy month of Ramadan the weekend lockdown and daily curfew from 9 pm to 5 am will continue, with restaurants only serving delivery and take-outs.
A week ago, Turkish president had refused to tighten restrictions. He said although the number of daily infections is high, the number of those hospitalized is less. Some criticize what they call the government’s double standards in dealing with the situation as it is preventing wedding parties and home visits while the ruling party is organizing conferences to promote for 2023 elections.
Turkish president said that 80 percent of Turkey’s citizens live in high risk provinces, including the capital Ankara and the biggest city in the country Istanbul.
The government now hopes that by the end of the Holy months of Ramadan the majority of Turkish citizens and residents would be vaccinated so that Turkey can welcome tourists again.
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