Turkey: No visitors let in care homes on Mother's Day

By Burcu Calik Gocumlu

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish Labor, Social Services and Family Ministry on Friday announced visitors will not be allowed to retirement and nursing homes across the country on Mother's Day Sunday, and also during traditional Eid al-Fitr holiday at the end of Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

As the novel coronavirus continues to affect thousands of people, especially the elderly, across the world, the ministry's measure is believed to help curb the spread of the virus in the country.

The virus officially known as COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, China last December, and has spread to at least 187 countries and territories. Europe and the US are currently the worst-hit regions.

The global death toll from the pandemic nears 270,000, with total infections over 3.84 million, while recoveries have passed 1.28 million, according to figures compiled by the US’ Johns Hopkins University.

Turkey currently has 133,721 confirmed cases, and the death toll stands at 3,641.

* Writing by Merve Aydogan