Turkey tightening lockdown from May 7

The Turkish authorities have decided to tighten the conditions of the current lockdown due to the situation with the coronavirus, Report informs referring to the Interior Ministry.

The new measures will come into force on May 7. Since the beginning of the pandemic, more than 4.9 million people have been infected with COVID-19 and 41,000 people have died in Turkey.

"From May 7, only basic foodstuffs, hygiene products, pet food and cosmetics (except for perfumery and make-up products) are allowed to be sold in stores, including chain supermarkets," the Turkish Interior Ministry said. A ban on the sale of electronics, toys, stationery, clothing, car accessories, tableware and garden supplies is added to the imposed restriction on the sale of alcohol.

From April 29 to May 17, residents of Turkey must stay at home, with the exception of going out for essential purchases and receiving urgent medical care. For trips between cities, official permission is required, schoolchildren receive education online, and a strict limit has been introduced in public transport.

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) CJSC temporarily suspended flights to Ankara, as well as to Istanbul. The Baku-Ankara-Baku flights won’t be operated from April 29 to May 13, and the Baku-Istanbul-Baku flight is suspended from April 29 to May 16.