Covid-19 measures: Short-time work allowance extended, indoor gatherings restricted in İstanbul

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The short-time work allowance has been extended for two months by a Presidential Decree.

According to the decree published in the Official Gazette today (August 31), those who have benefitted from the allowance will continue to be paid until October 31.

The government introduced the short-time allowance on March 26.

Employees can apply for the allowance if their work times are reduced by at least one-third or operations at their workplace partially or totally halts operations due to "general, economic or sectoral crises or force majeure conditions."

Measures for weddings

The İstanbul governor's office on Saturday issued a statement titled "Pandemic Measures for Weddings in Istanbul", banning some indoor gatherings as of today.

According to the statement, some events and gatherings including engagement ceremonies, and similar activities will not be allowed in any indoor areas as part of new measures to stem the spread of the virus.

At the wedding and ceremony halls, seating arrangements should not exceed one-third of the total capacity, in accordance with social distancing measures, said the statement.

Under the new regulations, no food or drinks will be served at these events while citizens aged 65 and over as well as children under the age of 15 -- unless they are first- or second-degree relatives to the bride or groom -- are not allowed to attend such occasions. (HA/RT/VK)