Lockdown in Turkey won’t apply to tourists

Lockdown introduced in Turkey from April 29 to May 17 won’t apply to foreign tourists, according to a circular of the Ministry of Interior of the republic, Report informs.

Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a full lockdown in the country from 19:00 on April 29 to 5:00 on May 17 due to the situation with the coronavirus. All organizations and institutions will cease their activities, with the exception of the list of those exempted by the circular of the Ministry of Interior. Intercity travel is only allowed after obtaining permission from the authorities. Hotel reservations are no exception to intercity travel restrictions.

“Exemption from curfew restrictions applies to foreigners who are in our country temporarily as part of tourist activities. Foreigners with a residence permit are subject to curfews,” the document says.

During the lockdown, grocery stores and markets will be open from 10:00 to 17:00 from Monday to Saturday. Citizens will only be able to visit them on foot. Pharmacies will also operate. Cafes and restaurants will be open for takeaway and delivery only. The restaurants of the hotels will serve only the people living there.

The daily increase in the number of coronavirus cases in Turkey on April 16 showed the maximum since the beginning of the pandemic, amounting to 63,082. On April 21, the highest number of deaths per day was recorded - 362.

Russia, due to the severe epidemiological situation in Turkey, limited air traffic with this country from April 15 to June 1.