Turkey: MPs attend assembly session wearing face masks

By Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish lawmakers on Tuesday attended a parliamentary session wearing protective face masks -- a precautionary measure against coronavirus.

"This is the correct thing to do [...] from now on, we will carry out our work while wearing masks," Levent Gok, the deputy speaker of Turkish parliament, told lawmakers.

He said that the measure aimed at protecting the health of the country's lawmakers.

Besides the protective gear, lawmakers paid attention to social distancing, sat with a distance and did not mingle with each other.

"Wearing the masks and practicing social distancing will set an example for the public," Gok said.

More than 30,000 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Turkey, along with 649 deaths.

Globally, the virus has spread to 184 countries with 1.36 million being infected and over 76,000 dying.

Like many other states, Turkey has also closed malls, cafes, and restaurants to slow the virus' spread.

Congregational prayers and other gatherings also remain temporarily suspended.