DM Monitoring
ANKARA: Turkey has recorded a surging number of COVID-19 cases in the past few days, including the highest daily cases in over 45 days, prompting authorities to introduce stricter nationwide safety controls.
Public negligence of strict coronavirus measures, including mandatory mask-wearing and self-isolation for positive patients, is largely blamed for the increasing number in new cases.
“Safety measures should be observed without concession. The surge in new cases is the result of negligence of social distancing and mask wearing,” said Health Minister Fahrettin Koca.
Since the start of August, the number of daily cases which dropped to around 700 gradually increased, pushing authorities to postpone the opening of schools to Sep. 21 from Aug. 31.
Education Minister Ziya Selcuk announced that the ministry started to grant certificates that define a series of standards to prevent the further spread of the pandemic in schools.
Following the recommendations of the health officials, local authorities across the country have recently adopted a series of new measures for those over 65 years old, the most significant risk group against the coronavirus.
Elderly in over 20 provinces, including the capital Ankara, are now prevented from using public transportation in rush hours or entering crowded locations in certain hours of the day.
The Interior Ministry, meanwhile, launched its seventh comprehensive inspections since May to monitor compliance with the COVID-19 rules across the country on Wednesday.
Inspections have been carried out in markets, workplaces, groceries, bazaars, public transport vehicles, restaurants, cafeterias, taxis, among other places.
