Turkey set for biggest COVID-19 checks yet

By Orhan Onur Gemici

ANKARA (AA) – This Thursday Turkey is set to conduct its most comprehensive checks yet on COVID-19 measures nationwide, according to the Interior Ministry.

Amid a rising number of coronavirus cases in recent days, the importance of following preventative measures in every aspect of life has become even more clear, said an Interior Ministry circular sent on Wednesday to all of Turkey’s 81 provinces.

For that reason, officials will conduct the most extensive checks on COVID-19 measures across the country, it added.

The country has taken many precautionary measures to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus since it entered Turkey in early March, most notably the pillars of good hygiene, mask wearing, and social distancing.

The ministry said Thursday’s checks will be carried out for the public health with the participation of local and provincial officials, professional chambers, and security officers.

The checks will include accommodation facilities, malls, marketplaces, restaurants, cafes, tea gardens, wedding halls, barber shops, internet cafes, recreational and picnic areas, amusement parks, taxi stops, and public transportation both within and among cities.

On Tuesday, Turkey reported 1,083 new coronavirus cases, bringing the tally so far to 234,934. The number of recoveries stood at 218,491 with 994 additions.

The country's death toll from the disease rose to 5,765, with 18 new fatalities.

* Writing by Sena Guler