News archive of April 2020

Nineteen drivers have been fined for gathering to drift their cars despite strict precautions against the coronavirus outbreak in the resort province of Antalya.

Traffic police units determined that a crowded group gathered for entertainment purposes in the Kepez district and 19 drivers were drifting their cars.

The forest coverage of Turkey is increasing regularly every year with maintenance, rehabilitation, afforestation and various action plans.

According to information received from the General Directorate of Forestry (OGM) officials, the forest presence in Turkey has increased by 10 percent in the last 50 years.

Prime Minister Ludovic Orban said on Thursday that over 30% of the Romanian economy is affected by the novel coronavirus epidemic, noting that he is not favouring austerity measures or price freeze. "Given that a large part of the economy has been affected by the epidemic, it is clear that economic growth will be affected.

Prime Minister Ludovic Orban said on Thursday that, according to the current assessments, the peak of the epidemic might occur between 20 April and 1 May, mentioning that this is the view of most specialists, because it's difficult to make a prediction of 100 percent probability.

Education Minister Niki Kerameus Thursday left open the possibility of schools - which were closed on March 10 to curb the spread of the coronavirus - reopening in mid-May rather than immediately after the Easter holidays as many had hoped, though questions remained about how this would affect the timing of university entrance exams for senior high students. 

Italy's Ambassador to Ankara Massimo Gaiani has expressed gratitude for Turkey's support amid the novel coronavirus that is devastating his country, as Turkey delivered medical aid to the Mediterranean country this week.

The ambassador pointed at the fact that Italy has yet to reach its peak COVID-19 outbreak and the next few weeks will be crucial for containing the spread.

He said at a news conference that more than two people had been banned from gathering as of tonight.
"The first measure is to introduce curfew on Saturday from 1 pm to 5 am on Monday," he said, adding that the ban does not apply to the pensioners who can go to the stores on Sunday from 4 am to 7 am.

As the government continues with its efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus, a new opinion poll has indicated that the majority of the public approves of its response despite a high level of public concern about the crisis.

The decision to postpone the payment date of bills of exchange issued for sectors affected by the Covid-19 pandemic between March 30 and May 31 by 75 days has already started a chain of negative consequences in the market.

The Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV) estimates the burden on the state budget from the shuttering of enterprises at about 6 billion euros per month, and recommends an immediate market foray while the timing remains favorable, given the low yields, as most states will also try to tap the markets soon.