Stricter Measures

After applying very strict measures early on, Turkey gradually eased the lock downs, curfews and restrictions to kick start the economy.  Social distancing, hand sanitising and mask wearing are the primary precautions now in place.  At the beginning of June, cases started to rise again, partly due to increased, random testing.  For the first few days the figures looked to be leaping up but it has settled again but isn't really coming down quickly enough.

Currently, across the country masks are to be worn in public places and on public transport by everyone over the age of 2 and there are no exemptions.  In some provinces, and the list keeps getting added to, masks must be worn from leaving the home. They can only be removed when eating, on the beach, or swimming.  A mask must be worn in the car even if you are alone or with your partner.  Whilst that might seem silly, it's to help the police in identifying who isn't complying so they can dish out the 900tl (£110) fine.  And why not?  The rules are to protect everyone and the fines will help boost the economy.  I've read that in some provinces, police are stationed at traffic lights writing down registration numbers of offenders.  I've also read that they are using the overhead road cameras to identify cars where occupants aren't wearing their masks.  A number of people have confessed on FB pages, that they were caught that way and got their fine through the post. 

But as in the UK, there are plenty of people who don't think the rules apply to them.  Masks are available in all supermarkets and chemists and are very cheap so there is no excuse.  People are much better at the social distancing and hand sanitising.  All shops and restaurants have floor markings and sanitiser on entry and often dotted around the premises.  I actually feel safest in the shopping mall because you can't get in without a mask, worn properly, and having your temperature checked.  And all the restaurants and shops are enforcing mask wearing and hand sanitising.  I went a few days ago for the supermarket and decided to have a snack at Kahve Diyari which is next to the mall fountain and where I could sit in the open but in shade.  I got chocolate cake and 'cold brew mint' which was cold black coffee with mint in and it was delicious mmmmm.

One of the Marmaris hotels recently posted all the measures that they have put in place for their customers' safety, and to comply with the current rules.  Judging by comments, I think a lot of potential UK visitors thought they'd be able to spend their holiday in Turkey, and presumably Spain, Italy, Greece etc without any restrictions.  Not so.  If you want to come to Turkey, you will have to abide by the rules here.  Unfortunately, I think the lack of adequate enforced measures in the UK have people thinking that holidaying abroad this year will be exactly the same as 'usual'.  

Virtually everywhere here is open and, as long as people adhere to the rules then there is no reason why foreign tourists can't have an enjoyable holiday.  Internal tourism has been open for many weeks and is being taken advantage of.

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