COVID-19: Ministry of Interior extends weekend curfew

* Photos: Anadolu Agency (AA)

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As a measure to stem the spread of COVID-19, Turkey has announced a countrywide curfew starting Thursday evening until Monday morning.

As reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA), the four-day curfew starting from 7 p.m. on April 22 will be in effect until 5 a.m. on April 26 and will cover the Children's Day official holiday as well as the weekend, according to a circular issued by the Interior Ministry.

To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, no large gatherings will be held to mark the day, except for an official wreath laying ceremony. Instead, some demonstrations and online events will be held.

Turkey on April 23 commemorates the first gathering of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey which took place in 1920. Also, every year on the day children perform in the country's stadiums and streets.

In the face of rising cases and fatalities across the country, some additional measures have been put into effect in Turkey.

The weekday curfew now lasts from 7 p.m. (moved forward from 9 p.m.) to 5 a.m., during which inter-city travel is also banned, except in emergencies. Weekend curfews also continue in high-risk cities.

Moreover, cafes and restaurants only provide delivery and takeout services, while wedding halls, sports centers, and game halls will remain closed until the end of Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Soylu was in a funeral with thousands

On the other side, on April 20, Minister of Interior Süleyman Soylu attended a funeral "attended by thousands of people" as the AA put it.

Apart from Interior Minister Soylu, the funeral of Hüsnü Bayramoğlu at Eyüpsultan Mosque in İstanbul was also attended by İstanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya and President of Religious Affairs Ali Erbaş.

(EKN/SD)