Turkey to lift inter-city travel restrictions and reopen cafes, parks on June 1

Turkey will lift restrictions on intercity travel and allow restaurants, cafes, parks and sports facilities to reopen from June 1 as it eases restrictions imposed to curb the coronavirus outbreak.

President Tayyip Erdoğan ,made the announcement following a cabinet meeting on Thursday, May, 28. He said that restrictions would remain place on the movements of those aged over 65 and under 18.

However, children under age 18 can go out on Wednesdays and Fridays between 2 pm to 8 pm. Museums and beaches will also open from June 1.

The virus has killed nearly 4,500 people in Turkey, with more than 160,000 infections. The economy is expected to tip into recession as a result of the containment measures.

Under the new normal order, let us not neglect masks, distancing and hygiene, Erdogan said in a televised address.

In early April, Turkey halted travel between 31 cities, including Istanbul, excluding transit passage and essential supplies. It subsequently reduced the restrictions to 15 cities but they will end too on June 1.

Among other easing measures, Turkey began operating intercity trains on Thursday after a two-month gap and mosques will begin allowing mass prayers on May 29.