Turkey hit by ‘second peak’ of coronavirus outbreak
A jump in COVID-19 cases, led by the capital Ankara, prompts new restrictions on social mobility. Dozens of health care workers have died, former government ministers have contracted the virus and doctors are warning that some cities could face a shortage of beds in intensive care units.
ISTANBUL — Turkey is prohibiting big weddings and other celebrations in an effort to curb what the health minister called a “second peak” of the coronavirus outbreak as infection rates accelerate to the highest levels in more two than months.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has decided to bar wedding celebrations, circumcision ceremonies, hen nights and engagement parties in all of Turkey’s 81 provinces from Friday, following a recommendation from the coronavirus task force, the Interior Ministry said in a circular. Couples will still be allowed to marry at events without food or dancing; the celebrations will be limited to one hour.
