Turkey: Istanbul authorities introduce COVID-19 social gathering restrictions September 12 /update 33

Event

Istanbul authorities announced that as of Saturday, September 12, specific public gatherings will be banned to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. A ban on concerts and festivals in public spaces along with large weddings has been reintroduced as people were reportedly not adequately heeding social distancing measures, with confirmed virus cases having increased as a result. Additionally, individuals nationwide are required to wear face masks in all public areas. 

Authorities also announced that standing passengers will no longer be permitted on public transportation, and although schools have reopened, both face-to-face teaching and remote classes are in place. Residence permit holders over 65 years of age are required to observe a curfew between 20:00 and 10:00 (local time). Those over 65 that do not hold a Residence permit must remain at home at all times. Curfew measures do not apply to those visiting for tourism. All arrivals into the country will be subject to medical evaluation for symptoms of COVID-19, including temperature checks, and may be required to undergo testing and quarantine.

As of September 12, there have been 288,126 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 6951 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures: