Turkey: Government temporarily suspends all flights from UK, Netherlands, Denmark, South Africa as of Dec. 20 due to new COVID-19 strain /update 29

Event

The Turkish government has suspended all flights arriving from the UK, the Netherlands, Denmark, and South Africa effective Dec. 20 in response to the discovery of a new strain of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Passengers on flights already en route to Turkey from these four countries will be allowed entry; however, they must submit to a COVID-19 test upon arrival and will be required to quarantine for an unspecified period of time. Authorities have as yet given no indication as to how long the suspension may remain in place. The move follows similar bans on international travel imposed by several European nations specifically with regard to the UK due to concerns over the virus mutation.

Aside from the new flight suspension, international travel is allowed; Turkey's air, land, and sea borders are open for most travelers. However, nonessential travel with Iran and Iraq remains suspended. All travelers are required to undergo a health screening on arrival. Individuals displaying symptoms must submit to a COVID-19 test and undergo quarantine if positive; the traveler must pay all costs related to testing and quarantine.

Domestically, authorities have lifted many travel restrictions, including the nation's intercity travel ban. Intercity rail travel has resumed on most major routes. Most businesses and facilities are permitted to reopen, provided certain hygiene measures are implemented. Nevertheless, a nationwide lockdown will be imposed 2100 Dec. 31-0500 Jan. 4. Residents must stay at home during this time frame, except to perform essential work or seek urgent medical care. While most nonessential stores and businesses must close during this period, grocery stores and food delivery services are exempt. Restaurants may perform deliveries. Outside of the special holiday lockdown period, a 2100-0500 curfew is in force nationwide on weekdays, with a weekend curfew running from 2100 each Friday until 0500 the following Monday.

A range of measures remains in force outside curfew hours. All persons nationwide must wear protective facemasks and observe social distancing while in public. Strict social distancing guidelines have also been imposed on public transport. Standing passengers are not permitted on minibuses or vans. Standing is permitted at 50-percent capacity on the Metro and trams in Ankara and Istanbul. Passengers may occupy up to 30 percent of the standing capacity on buses and metrobuses nationwide. Additionally, residents under the age of 20 or over the age of 65 are barred from using public transport; children must travel in the company of a parent or guardian. Weddings and funerals are capped at 30 people.

Persons suspected of contracting COVID-19 or who come into contact with an individual infected with COVID-19 are required to self-isolate for 10 days; persons who test negative for COVID-19 after five days may end self-isolation early. Turkish nationals and residents are required to obtain a government-provided Hayat Eve Sigar (HES) code before international or intercity travel on public transport. Numerous regions, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Agri Province, require residents to present an HES code upon entering public institutions, government offices, or banks.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further tighten, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks, particularly in response to developments regarding the newly-discovered COVID-19 strain.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.