Turkey: Face masks mandatory in all public areas September 8 /update 32

Event

Turkish authorities announced that as of Tuesday, September 8, individuals nationwide will be required to wear face masks in all public areas. This reportedly includes, but is not limited to, streets, side streets, parks, gardens, picnic areas, markets, seaside and all public transportation. Individuals are already required to wear face masks in all shops, restaurants, hairdressers, and barber shops. Certain areas also require masks to be worn in private vehicles with more than one occupant.

The measures have been introduced following a recent uptick in confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Authorities also announced that standing passengers will no longer be permitted on public transportation, and though schools will reopen, both face-to-face teaching and remote classes will take place. Residence Permit holders over 65 years of age remain required to observe a curfew between 20:00 and 10:00 (local time). Those over 65 that do not hold a Residence Permit must remain at home at all times. Curfew measures do not apply to those visiting for tourism. All arrivals into the country will be subject to a medical evaluation for symptoms of COVID-19, including temperature checks and may be required to undergo testing and quarantine.

As of Wednesday, September 9, there have been 283,270 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 6782 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

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Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.

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When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.

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If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.

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