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Turkey tightens coronavirus measures

Monday, 19 April 2021 11:44 PM [ Last Update: Monday, 19 April 2021 11:44 PM ]

Rahshan Saglam
Press TV, Istanbul

Turkey has imposed more tight restrictions to fight the spread of the coronavirus.

Earlier, Turkish president said that the daily lockdown during the first two weeks of the holy month of Ramadan will start at 7 PM instead of 9 PM . The lockdown will last till 5 AM every day as the weekend lockdown will continue with stricter measures and more police officers present in the streets to make sure citizens and residents are abiding by the rules.

During the weekend, security forces in all 81 provinces were out to make sure people are not violating the lockdown. Tourists are the only ones allowed to be outside during the lockdowns. In Istanbul alone some 20,000 policemen took part in this campaign.

Turkish interior minister threatened to punish those who do not respect the rules.

The death toll in Turkey surged last month when restrictions were relaxed. Some blame the people who didn't act responsibly. Others blame the government for taking decisions based on the economic needs of the country rather than what is better for people’s health.

Turkish health ministry said 20 million vaccine jabs have been distributed across the country. This is as Turkey says it has potentially developed a vaccine that just entered the phase of human trials. Turkish Industry and Technology Minister Mustafa Varank has volunteered for the trials.

Turkish government wants to welcome tourists again after the holy month of Ramadan, however many believe it is still too soon for this step, as only 25 percent of citizens have been vaccinated.

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