Coronavirus Reopening: Turkey Lifts Most Restrictions, Sets Up Rules for 'New Normal'

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Turkey removed a series of coronavirus restrictions today (June 1), according to a "normalization schedule" by the government, while some measures remaining in place.

The Interior Ministry ordered local officials to allow restaurants, cafes, patisseries, coffee shops, and similar venues to open daily until 10.00 p.m. local time, as of June 1.

Parks, gardens, picnic and recreational areas, hiking and fishing, as well as beaches will be available effective Monday, while outdoor barbecues will remain restricted, the ministry said in a statement.

It added that swimming pools, hot springs, Turkish baths, saunas and spas would also resume services within certain precautionary rules, while sports centers and facilities will be open until midnight from June 1.

However, certain restrictions will remain on entertainment venues, which will also open today, including board games and hookah-smoking.

Live music activities for dancing and games will be prohibited to prevent direct contact at public recreation and entertainment venues, said the statement.

Travel restrictions

Separately, the ministry announced in another circular that children under the age of 18 would be allowed to travel in and between cities with their parents.

It said that travel permits would no longer be required for intercity public transportation vehicles.

Entry and exit restrictions in the country's 15 provinces will also be lifted as of midnight May 31, it added.

The ministry said, however, that airplane, rail and bus travel would require special applications.

One-way travel warrants will continue to be needed for those over 65 years old, on condition that they did not return from their provinces for at least one month.

Domestic flights

The state-owned Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines resumed domestic flights today.

Passengers will have to acquire a health code from the Health Ministry's mobile app to board planes.

İstanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport announced that it won't allow cabine luggages to reduce contact. (PT/VK)