Turkey sets out rules for new phase in normalization

Turkey has set out rules for a new normalization phase as the country will further ease COVID-19 restrictions later this week.

The government decided to loosen the curbs after the daily coronavirus cases started to decline following a nationwide lockdown which remained in place from April 29 to May 17. The fast track vaccinations also encouraged officials to take further steps toward normalization.

Curfews will be fully scrapped, and intercity travel restrictions will lifted starting July 1, the Interior Ministry said in a communique released on June 27.

Cafes and restaurants will serve people with no limitation on the guest number in indoor and outdoor areas.

All workplaces and cinemas, which have suspended their activities as part of coronavirus measures, will reopen while restrictions and measures in accommodation facilities will end, with hygiene, mask, and social distancing rules still having to be followed.

Outdoor wedding ceremonies will be held without a guest limit and food and drink can be served, while some restrictions will still in place for indoor ceremonies.

Events such as concerts, festivals, and youth camps will be allowed provided that the previously set face mask, hygiene and social distancing rules are followed. Parks, gardens, picnic, and camp areas will be open to the public.

Mandatory quarantine for travelers from Bangladesh, Brazil, South Africa, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka and those who have been in these countries in the last 14 days will end.

The mandatory quarantine period for people arriving in Turkey from Afghanistan and Pakistan or who have been in these countries in the last 14 days will be reduced to 10 days.

[HH] High vaccination rate

Meanwhile, Health Minister...