Turkey: Authorities shorten COVID-19-related self-isolation period /update 27

Event

Health officials have eased the requirement to self-isolate for persons believed to have come into contact with an individual infected with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as of Dec. 10. Persons who have come into close contact with an individual with COVID-19 or who are suspected of having contracted COVID-19 are now required to self-isolate for 10 days. Furthermore, persons may leave quarantine after seven days if they test negative for COVID-19 after five days of self-isolation.

Turkey previously tightened certain COVID-19 measures. As of Dec. 1, a 2100-0500 curfew is in place nationwide on weekdays; full curfews are in effect on weekends starting at 2100 each Friday until 0500 the following Monday. Residents must stay at home during curfew hours, except to perform essential work or seek urgent medical care. Grocery stores and food delivery services are exempt from the weekend curfew. Restaurants are only open for delivery. In addition, persons under the age of 20 or over the age of 65 are barred from using public transport. Furthermore, weddings and funerals are capped at 30 people.

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.

Residents under the age of 18 are only permitted to travel in the company of a parent or guardian. 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 have lifted many of the harshest restrictions, including the nation's intercity travel ban. Intercity rail travel has resumed on certain routes serving Istanbul, Ankara, Eskisehir, and Konya. International travel is allowed; Turkey's air, land, and sea borders have reopened 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. Most businesses and facilities are permitted to reopen, provided certain hygiene measures are implemented.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

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.