Turkey imposes partial curfew for citizens older than 65

Turkey on March 21 imposed a partial curfew for citizens over the age of 65 and those with chronic diseases, effective as of midnight, as part of measures against the coronavirus outbreak.

"As of midnight today, the citizens aged 65 and over and also people who suffer from chronic illnesses are restricted to go out of their homes and to walk in open areas such as parks, gardens," the interior ministry said in a statement.

New measures against COVID-19

Turkey extended measures against the coronavirus on March 21, suspended flights with 46 more countries and banning picnics and barbecues, as the number of cases has roughly doubled every day for a week. 

Ankara had already banned flights with 22 countries, closed schools, cafes and bars, banned mass prayers and indefinitely postponed matches in its main sports leagues. The new ban applies to countries including Canada and the northern part of Cyprus.

On March 21, it extended the ban to picnics and barbecues, as well as barbershops, hair and beauty salons.

The Turkish health ministry said all hospitals, including private ones, will have to admit and treat suspected patients of new coronavirus.

The ministry also declared any hospital with at least two specialists in infectious diseases, pulmonology or internal diseases as a coronavirus pandemic hospital in order to ease the burden on health institutions and personnel.

The government also said all meetings and activities, related to science, culture and art would be postponed until the end of April to stem the spread of coronavirus.

Separately, hotels and other accommodation facilities must now get detailed information on where their guests recently traveled to...

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