Turkey suspends international flights, quarantines several areas

TURKEY: Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu has said that dozen areas have been placed under quarantine across Turkey to fight the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Talking to media Suleyman Soylu said the decision was taken as the threats of coronavirus in some villages or towns is high. He said a total 12 towns and villages have been quarantined initially.

Soylu confirmed the lockdown in five parts in the Black Sea province of Rize after there was one coronavirus patient had died in the region.

Meanwhile, the provincial health directorate said in a statement the town of Kendirli and four adjoining villages were in lockdown to stop possible spread of  coronavirus cases.

Traffic to and from these areas was also halted. The statement added that citizens with symptoms of coughing or fever would be identified.

Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said Friday that the number of coronavirus-related deaths in Turkey had jumped to 92, while total 5,698 cases registered in the country.

Earlier, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced additional steps to battle the pandemic, including the suspension of all international flights.

He said all public places, including picnic spots, forests and archaeological sites will be closed on weekends.

Authorities have already taken a raft of steps from shutting schools and universities, suspending football games to banning mass prayers in the country. However, it has stopped short of declaring a complete lockdown.

Erdogan urged Turks to stick to the “voluntary quarantine conditions” and not to go out unless absolute emergency.