COVID-19: Turkey imposes restrictions on weddings, ceremonies in all cities

* Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA)

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The Ministry of Interior sent an additional circular titled "COVID-19 Measures" to all 81 Governor's Offices yesterday (September 2).

As reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA), with this circular issued amid increasing numbers of novel coronavirus cases and fatalities, Turkey has imposed new virus restrictions across the country.

According to this recent circular of the Ministry, the restrictions on weddings and ceremonies previously in effect in only 14 provinces in Turkey will be expanded to all 81 provinces of the country.

As of today, large gatherings such as outdoor weddings and other traditional celebrations will be toned down. The duration of a wedding ceremony has been limited to an hour, with a ban on dancing and serving food. 

Moreover, citizens who are aged 65 and above and under 15 and who are not first and second degree relatives of the bride and groom will not be allowed to attend the wedding ceremony.

While at least one public officer will attend the wedding ceremony to monitor the measures, the Governor's Offices are stipulated to take the necessary measures as per the Articles 27 and 72 of the Law on Public Health and to implement the related measures as of September 4 the latest.

In the event of a failure to observe the measures, the related persons will be given an administrative fine as per the Article 282 of the Law on Public Health. Moreover, based on the scope of the violation, a legal action will be taken as per the related articles of the law. If a certain act is considered to constitute a crime, the person will face a legal action as per the Article 195 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK).

Earlier yesterday, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said that Turkey was witnessing the second peak of the pandemic as single-day deaths rose to above 40 over the past three days, a steep rise.

So far, Turkey had registered a total of 6,462 deaths due to COVID-19, while over 246,000 people have recovered from the disease. Currently, there are nearly 274,000 confirmed cases in the country.

Since first appearing in China last December, the novel coronavirus has spread to at least 188 countries and regions. The US, Brazil and Russia are currently the countries hardest hit in the world.

The pandemic has killed more than 858,000 people worldwide, with infections surpassing 25.8 million and recoveries over 17 million, according to figures compiled by the US' Johns Hopkins University. (EKN/SD)