What's the government response timeline for Turkey?

Coronavirus Scientific Advisory Board issues guidance on testing: "All patient samples conforming to the 2019-nCoV possible case definition should also be evaluated for 2019-nCoV (with a PCR test)."; https://hsgm.saglik.gov.tr/depo/haberler/ncov/2019-nCov_Hastal_Salk_alanlar_Rehberi.pdf (not archivable, https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/koronavirus/turkiye-koronaviruse-karsi-tedbirlerini-aldi/1744654

Coronavirus Scientific Advisory Board issues guidance on testing and tracing; https://hsgm.saglik.gov.tr/depo/haberler/ncov/2019-nCov_Hastal_Salk_alanlar_Rehberi.pdf (not archivable, https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/koronavirus/turkiye-koronaviruse-karsi-tedbirlerini-aldi/1744654

Turkey installed cameras at all airports and began scanning passengers traveling from China with thermal cameras detecting fevers, which are one of the major symptoms of the virus.; https://www.dailysabah.com/tourism/2020/01/28/china-virus-sends-shockwaves-across-travel-sector-including-in-turkey

Health Minister statement on Coronavirus makes no mention of prevention measures whatsoever; https://www.saglik.gov.tr/TR,63662/bakan-kocanin-yeni-tip-koronavirus-2019-ncov-salginina-iliskin-aciklamasi-03022020.html

“Starting from Wednesday [Feb. 5], we have decided to stop all the flights from China,” Health Minister Fahrettin Koca told reporters at a press conference on Feb. 3 after the meeting of the Science Council. https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-to-suspend-flights-from-china-until-end-of-month-151705

Turkish Ministry of Health informs about Coronavirus in a series of videos; https://twitter.com/saglikbakanligi/status/1225755162737827841, https://twitter.com/saglikbakanligi/status/1225737365160939520, https://twitter.com/saglikbakanligi/status/1225759617629577218, https://twitter.com/saglikbakanligi/status/1225696129578258432, https://twitter.com/saglikbakanligi/status/1225731397022879745

Turkish Ministry of Health shares Coronavirus advice about handwashing, launches website with information about Coronavirus; https://twitter.com/saglikbakanligi/status/1226433220331425793

Turkish Ministry of Health launches informational video about Coronavirus: https://twitter.com/saglikbakanligi/status/1227147024438583298

Turkey closes border with Iran and stops all incoming flights from Iran; https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/23/turkey-and-pakistan-close-borders-with-iran-over-coronavirus-deaths

Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Saturday that all passenger flights to and from Italy, Iraq and South Korea had been halted due to the coronavirus outbreak. https://www.reuters.com/article/china-health-turkey/turkey-halts-passenger-flights-to-and-from-italy-iraq-and-south-korea-idUSL8N2AT123

Turkish health minister recommends that those with chronic illnesses and those age 50 and older should stay home; https://www.aa.com.tr/en/health/turkey-free-of-coronavirus-so-far-says-health-minister/1759786 (Link not archivable)

"The minister also said that since March 1, some 372,000 citizens arrived in Turkey from abroad. He said that the family practice centers are meticulously controlling the returnees and carried out 132,000 medical examinations in a day. According to the figures Koca provided, the thermal cameras set up at airports have scanned some over 4.6 million passengers. Some 1,103 passengers, out of 189,000, who entered the country via border gates were also placed under supervision. Koca also added that the Turkish citizens returning from the Umrah pilgrimage from Saudi Arabia have been “isolated.” The returnees were “isolated” in student dorms after one was tested positive for the COVID-19." source: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-to-increase-coronavirus-testing-capacity-to-15-000-per-day-153111

Pregnant women and women on breast-feeding leave, people with disabilities and older than 60, except managers, will be allowed 12 days off from work and spend the time in self-isolation as of Monday, Koca added. Since this is not a closure, coded as 0. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/health/turkey-confirms-5th-coronavirus-case/1765424

"He [Erdogan] said primary, middle and secondary schools would be closed for one week (March 16- 20) and after that students will receive remote online tuition for another week from March 23." Source: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-turkey/turkey-says-schools-universities-to-close-over-coronavirus-idUSKBN20Z2RH https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/coronavirus-turkey-close-schools-universities-football-sports-games

Turkey will temporarily close cafes, sports and entertainment venues (in addition to bars and nightclubs).; https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-turkey/turkey-quarantines-thousands-of-pilgrims-orders-closure-of-bars-idUKKBN2120K8; https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-turkey/turkey-shuts-cafes-to-halt-coronavirus-spread-as-cases-jump-to-47-idUKKBN2130HJ Turkey https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-turkey/turkeys-first-coronavirus-case-shuts-schools-impacts-sports-idUKKBN20Z2SX; https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-turkey/turkeys-first-coronavirus-case-shuts-schools-impacts-sports-idUKKBN20Z2SX

Turkey will temporarily close cafes, sports and entertainment venues (in addition to bars and nightclubs) and is suspending mass prayers in mosques in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus, as the number of confirmed cases rose to 47, authorities said on Monday. Sports games will be played without spectators; https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-turkey/turkey-shuts-cafes-to-halt-coronavirus-spread-as-cases-jump-to-47-idUKKBN2130HJ Turkey https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-turkey/turkeys-first-coronavirus-case-shuts-schools-impacts-sports-idUKKBN20Z2SX; https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-turkey/turkeys-first-coronavirus-case-shuts-schools-impacts-sports-idUKKBN20Z2SX

There does not seem to be a specific number restricting private gatherings on the national level.

Erdogan urges citizens not to leave their houses unnecessarily and limit social contact until the coronavirus threat dissipates. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/latest-on-coronavirus-outbreak/turkey-will-use-all-means-to-eliminate-coronavirus/1770969

Erdogan urges citizens not to leave their houses unnecessarily and limit social contact until the coronavirus threat dissipates. According to a Turkish colleague of mine, Erdogan did mention travel to other cities after being asked about it in the press conference. Hence, 1G; https://www.aa.com.tr/en/latest-on-coronavirus-outbreak/turkey-will-use-all-means-to-eliminate-coronavirus/1770969

"On March 19 the country suspended all competitions in four major sports: football, basketball, handball, and volleyball." Horse racing additionally closed. Most public gathering places temporarily closed. Restaurants forced to set tables 1 meter apart. Other cultural, scientific, or artistic meetings are closed, as are prayer gatherings and mass. https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-steps-up-coronavirus-measures-as-death-toll-hits-4-153121

"Turkey aims to test about 15,000 suspected cases of the coronavirus per day" Source: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-to-increase-coronavirus-testing-capacity-to-15-000-per-day-153111

In a presidential decree published on March 20, it was announced that all scientific, cultural and artistic meetings and events were postponed until the end of April. Similarly, sporting events were banned one day earlier.; https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/turkey-acted-faster-than-europe-in-tackling-covid-19/1798213

"Turkey aims to test about 15,000 suspected cases of the coronavirus per day" Source: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-to-increase-coronavirus-testing-capacity-to-15-000-per-day-153111

Partial curfew on Turkish citizens who are older than 65-year-old and suffering from chronic illnesses. Interior Ministry said on Saturday: “As of midnight today, the citizens aged 65 and over and also people who suffer from chronic illnesses are restricted from leaving their home,” the ministry said in a statement. While a total lockdown for the affected groups, other groups are still allowed to leave the house, hence coded as 2G; https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/coronavirus-turkey-restrains-older-citizens-from-leaving-homes/1774287 (link not archivable); https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-turkey/turkey-steps-up-aid-to-elderly-tightens-curbs-as-virus-toll-rises-idUSKBN21B0L3

Erdogan holding frequent meetings and making public statements. Gov ministry of health manages a covid19 website: https://covid19bilgi.saglik.gov.tr/tr/ *"The Human Rights Association, Human Rights Foundation of Turkey, Association of Lawyers for Liberty, Contemporary Lawyers Association, and Health and Social Service Workers Union of Civil Society in the Penal System, published a statement on the COVID-19 outbreak and urged for immediate action in prisons. In their article, they emphasized on informing the public, especially family and lawyers of prisoners, about quarantine practices and the health status of prisoners"

Turkey issued a presidential decree published in the Official Gazette on March 22 allowing civil servants to work from home and in shifts as part of coronavirus measures. The flexible work arrangements apply to employees of public institutions and organizations. [ https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-brings-in-more-stringent-virus-measures-as-death-toll-rises-to-30-153201; https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/coronavirus-kills-30th-senior-citizen-in-turkey-as-cases-jump-to-1256/news]

Additionally, through a second statement issued by the President, public institutions and organizations were ordered to allow for alternating and flexible schedules and enforce remote working if possible. Source: https://www.haberler.com/son-dakika-kamu-kurum-ve-kuruluslarina-13041864-haberi/

All public transport vehicles will be allowed to carry only half their capacity from 24th March: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/latest-on-coronavirus-outbreak/turkey-limits-shopping-transportation-over-coronavirus/1776819 https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-turkey/turkey-steps-up-aid-to-elderly-tightens-curbs-as-virus-toll-rises-idUKKBN21B0KZ

Earlier on Wednesday, Education Minister Ziya Selcuk said the closure of all schools would be extended until April 30, and said home schooling would continue during this period.; https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-turkey-education/erdogan-says-turkey-will-overcome-coronavirus-in-two-three-weeks-school-closures-extended-idUKKBN21C2T1

Mustafa Cankurtaran, head of geriatrics at the Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, said his team is following the national guidelines, testing only “risky” patients with cough and fever. https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-turkey-tests/turkey-struggles-to-ramp-up-tests-as-outbreak-reaches-critical-phase-idUKKBN21D2KU

Starting on March 27, Erdogan announced the suspension of all international flights to and from Turkey as well as strict monitoring of domestic travel https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/turkey-suspends-international-flights-expands-restrictions-200328055429764.html

"Turkey aims to test about 15,000 suspected cases of the coronavirus per day" Source: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-to-increase-coronavirus-testing-capacity-to-15-000-per-day-153111

28th March Turkey halted intercity travel by reducing buses, trains and limited domestic flights Saturday in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus. Inner city buses remain open although can only run at 50% capacity. Speaking to reporters, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said the use of public transportation had fallen by more than 90%. https://www.dailysabah.com/business/transportation/turkey-virtually-halts-intercity-travel-amid-covid-19-outbreak https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-turkey/turkey-limits-transport-opposition-calls-for-stay-at-home-order-over-virus-idUKKBN21F09C

Turkey halted intercity buses, trains and limited domestic flights Saturday in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus. Moreover, private travel between cities requires a permit granted by a local Travel Permit Board on application (for essential trips). https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/koronavirus-tebdirleri-kapsaminda-sehirlerarasi-otobus-yolcu-tasimaciligi-ile-ilgili-ek-genelge; https://www.dailysabah.com/business/transportation/turkey-virtually-halts-intercity-travel-amid-covid-19-outbreak

Erdogan insists that Turkey should “keep wheels turning” in the economy and that people continue going to work (outside of closed places, see previous notes); https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-turkey/pressure-for-turkey-lockdown-grows-erdogan-vows-to-sustain-economy-idUKKBN21I1JS

"Turkey aims to test about 15,000 suspected cases of the coronavirus per day" Source: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-to-increase-coronavirus-testing-capacity-to-15-000-per-day-153111 HOWEVER- The Istanbul Chamber of Physicians suggested that the figures given by the Ministry of Health were based on cases that test positive for PCR, and do not include the number of 'suspected / possible cases' among inpatients or outpatients. Source: http://www.diken.com.tr/istanbul-tabip-odasi-bakanligin-tablosu-gercek-vaka-sayisini-gostermekten-cok-uzak/

Turkey extends over-65 curfew to all citizens under 20 (not allowed to leave the house under any circumstances); since 20-64 year olds are still allowed to leave, coded as 2G; https://www.cnnturk.com/web/20200426212928/ https/www.cnnturk.com/video/turkiye/son-dakika-cumhurbaskani-erdogan-yeni-tedbirleri-acikladi-20-yas-altina-sokaga-cikma-yasagi

Turkey will overcome the coronavirus outbreak in two to three weeks through good measures, with as little damage as possible, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday, as Ankara extended the closure of all schools until April 30. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-turkey-education/erdogan-says-turkey-will-overcome-coronavirus-in-two-three-weeks-school-closures-extended-idUSKBN21C2T1

As part of the measures, the government will pay 60% salaries of staff salaries in the event a firm goes out of business. Any firm forced out of business due to a force majeure, such as the pandemic, in this case, can approach the government, and the state will pay 60% of the staff salaries for a period of three months. https://www.dailysabah.com/business/economy/protecting-smes-employment-priorities-in-turkeys-effort-to-cushion-coronavirus-fallout

Turkish citizens can apply to health authorities if they show symptoms of the virus and get tested. In addition, all those evacuated from abroad are diagnosed by medical staff. If someone tests positive, that person is referred to quarantine. https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/turkey-ranks-7th-worldwide-with-600000-coronavirus-tests/news

Turkey enforces total lockdown in 31 provinces (out of 81) over the weekend; only exceptions are essential workers, hence coded as 3T; https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/2-gun-sokaga-cikma-yasagi; https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/2-gun-sokaga-cikma-yasagi-bu-gece-saat-2400-itibariyla-sona-eriyor

Turkey temporarily bans entrances and exits for all provinces with city status (30 provinces in total) in addition to the general travel restrictions; https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/2-gun-sokaga-cikma-yasagi

State-owned Ziraat Bank, Halkbank and VakifBank had allowed customers to delay payments of loan and credit card debt worth more than 60 billion lira, while privately owned banks haven't done as much prompting Finance Minister Berat Albayrak to say "While our state banks are standing by our citizens with all the resources they have, we are utterly saddened by the attitude of the privately held banks" ( https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-turkey-banks/turkey-calls-on-private-banks-to-do-more-to-help-fight-coronavirus-idUSL5N2C00GN)

Turkey’s two largest cities, Istanbul and Ankara, which yesterday came out from a 48-hour lockdown along with 29 other provinces, started the week with new measures for public transport aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus outbreak. Passengers are not allowed to use public transport unless they have face masks on. In order to ensure the proper implementation of the social distancing rules, inner-city transport vehicles will operate at 50 percent capacity, which means only half of the seats will be occupied. The city’s public bus system will operate regularly. https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/istanbul-ankara-introduce-new-transport-rules-153814

Our 30 provinces with metropolitan status (Adana, Ankara, Antalya, Aydin, Balikesir, Bursa, Denizli, Diyarbakir, Erzurum, Eskisehir), with the exceptions stated below between 10.04.2020 at 24:00 and 12.04.202 at 24:00 https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/2-gun-sokaga-cikma-yasagi

Erdogan holding frequent meetings and making public statements. Gov ministry of health manages a covid19 website: https://hsgm.saglik.gov.tr/tr/covid19 *"The Human Rights Association, Human Rights Foundation of Turkey, Association of Lawyers for Liberty, Contemporary Lawyers Association, and Health and Social Service Workers Union of Civil Society in the Penal System, published a statement on the COVID-19 outbreak and urged for immediate action in prisons. In their article, they emphasized on informing the public, especially family and lawyers of prisoners, about quarantine practices and the health status of prisoners"

There does not seem to be a specific number restricting private gatherings on the national level.

Turkey enforces total lockdown in 31 provinces (out of 81) over the weekend; only exceptions are essential workers, hence coded as 3T. Lockdown starts midnight Friday/Saturday; https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/17-19-nisan-tarihleri-arasinda-30-buyuksehir-ve-zonguldak-il-sinirlari-icerisinde-sokaga-cikma-yasagi

Ankara also ramped up use of contact tracing to map out the chain of interactions in COVID-19 cases. A staff composed of doctors and other professionals scan the information on confirmed patients in a call center and dispatch teams in protective gear to find the contacts of patients who are viewed as prospective patients themselves. Crews arrange a 14-day quarantine for those potential patients and treatment if they test positive. https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/turkey-ranks-7th-worldwide-with-600000-coronavirus-tests/news

30 provinces (Adana, Ankara, Antalya, Aydin, Balikesir, Bursa, Denizli, Diyarbakir, Erzurum, Eskisehir, Gaziantep) with the exception of the following exceptions between the dates of 17.04.2020 and 24.00 and 19.04.2020 https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/17-19-nisan-tarihleri-arasinda-30-buyuksehir-ve-zonguldak-il-sinirlari-icerisinde-sokaga-cikma-yasagi

Turkey enforces lockdown in 31 provinces (out of 81) between 23-26 April, but allows for grocery shopping. Since people 65 and over and under 20 year olds are still on complete lockdown, this remains at 2G; https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/2-gun-sokaga-cikma-yasagi; https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/2-gun-sokaga-cikma-yasagi-bu-gece-saat-2400-itibariyla-sona-eriyor

As above. No new policies.

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20th May At least 6,239 tracers have reached 722,000 people who had contact with an infected person since March 10, Koca said. Shaikh said the global goal is to test on average five close contacts of confirmed cases, and the government said in April that its tracers were reaching on average 4.5 contacts of an infected person. https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/turkey/turkey-s-pandemic-strategy-hinges-on-hazmat-suited-gumshoes-1.8860152

UNESCO Education Response tracker shows Turkey has country wide education closures. (Viewed from 31 May-l June 17) https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

Other than nightclubs, every establishment could reopen in some form on June 1. Since nightclubs are only technically banned from opening through a provision prohibiting "music events," and every other establishment reopened, including bars and hookahs, I rate this as 1G beginning on June 1st. (NOTE: Some media reports that bars could not reopen, per press release of the government and some anectodal evidence, this seems incorrect) https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/81-il-valiligine-lokanta-restoran-kafe-vb-isyerleri-park-piknik-alanlari-mesire-yerleri-ve-giyim-pazarlari-genelgesi; https://www.insider.com/nightclubs-bars-social-distancing-right-2020-6 (not archivable, anectodal evidence)

There remains an ongoing curfew for those aged over 65, those born after 1 January 2002, and those who have a chronic medical condition, with the following exceptions: Adults over 65 years old are allowed outside, between 10am and 8pm on a daily basis. People under 18 years of age are allowed outside at any time but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Beyond these exemptions, people in these categories must not leave their homes. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/staying-during-coronavirus https://tr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/

Turkey will allow restaurants and cafes to reopen and lift restrictions on intercity travel on June 1, Erdogan said. Curfew for those over 65 and under 18 years old will remain in place, he said. All residents wishing to undertake intercity travel using public transport are required to obtain an “HES” (“Hayat Eve Sigar”) code. This can be done through the e-Devlet system. If you are over 65, you will also need a travel permit and must remain at your destination for a minimum of 30 days unless travelling for an international flight. Individuals under 18 no longer require a permit to either travel within the same city, or undertake intercity travel. When travelling they must, however, be accompanied by a parent or guardian, aged below 65 years of age. Coded as a 1 because though restrictions are lifted, measures still remain in place to control internal movement. https://www.duvarenglish.com/health-2/coronavirus/2020/05/28/cafes-restaurants-to-reopen-inter-city-travel-restrictions-to-be-lifted-on-june-1/ https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/staying-during-coronavirus

On June 11, Turkey announced opening the majority of its international air, land, and sea borders. The border with Iran remains closed. https://tr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/

https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#T A TL100 billion package was announced. This consists of TL75 billion ($11.6 billion or 1.5 percent of GDP) in fiscal measures, as well as TL 25 billion ($3.8 billion or 0.5 percent of GDP) for the doubling the credit guarantee fund. Key support measures included (i) raising minimum pension and cash assistance to families in need, (ii) increased employment protection by loosening short-term work allowance rules (iii) reduced/postponed taxes for affected industries (eg. tourism), and also for citizens over 65 or with chronic illnesses, (iv) extension of personal and corporate income tax filing deadlines, (v) easing of households’ utility payments to local governments, (vi) a ban on layoffs, initially, for three months, with a state subsidy for affected staff, (vii) state payment of two-thirds of workers’ salaries in affected firms, (viii) debt relief for local governments’ earmarked revenues, (ix) 32,000 additional medical staff hired and performance payments maximized, (x) allowances of social assistance and solidarity foundations increased, including accelerating support for farmers, (xi) direct support to Turkish Airlines and other affected entities, and (xii) Turkey Wealth Fund (TWF) given new rights to buy stakes in distressed firms, (xiii) TWF was assigned to inject a core capital of 0.4 percent of GDP into three state banks, funded by issuance of Treasury bonds. As of May 20, the Minister of Treasury and Finance indicated that with additional policy measures, total measures to counter the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic rose to over TL 252 billion (US$ 37 billion or 5 % of GDP), including deferred loan repayments. The Banking and Insurance Transaction Tax rate on real persons’ foreign exchange and gold purchases was raised to 1% from 0.2%, and the withholding tax on interest income on banks’ commercial bonds was raised to 15% from 10%, according to a statement in the Official Gazette on May 24.

https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#T The CBRT has lowered the policy rate by a cumulative 250bps to 8.25 percent as of May 21. A package of financial measures was introduced at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically, liquidity facilities were augmented, including with longer-term instruments and at discounted rates. The reserve requirements on foreign currency deposits were reduced by 500 bps for banks meeting lending growth targets. A new TL lending facility for SMEs in the export sector was set up. Exporters’ inventory financing is being supported by extending maturities for existing and new export rediscount credits. A second package of CBRT measures (March 31) allowed for an increase in outright purchases of sovereign bonds, and broadened the pool of assets for use as collateral in CBRT transactions. A third package of measures of CBRT increased the upper limit for CBRT’s funding through Open Market Operations and regulated the primary dealer banks outright sovereign bond sales to the CBRT to maintain market depth, strengthen the monetary policy transmission mechanism and support the Primary Dealership system. The bank regulator announced forbearance measures, primarily to limit the accounting impact of TL depreciation and fall in securities’ prices. The LTV limit on mortgages was raised from 80 to 90 percent. The minimum payment for individual credit cards was reduced to 20 percent, and banks postponed repayments on credit card loans for housing, consumer and vehicle purchases. Bank regulator implemented a new regulatory ratio incentivizing banks support for the real economy and government financing Public banks granted firms affected by the crisis a 3-month moratorium on bank loan repayments (principal and interest). Debt enforcement and bankruptcy proceedings (except in alimony cases) have been suspended. Firms’ dividend payments limited to 25 percent of 2019 profits. Exporters will be provided with inventory financing, and reimbursement of rediscount credits have been extended by 90 days. On May 20, the CBRT announced that the overall limit of the bilateral swap agreement between Turkey and Qatar was increased from US$ 5 billion to US$ 15 billion equivalent. On May 29 the BRSA amended the calculation of the Asset Ratio (AR), imposed on banks to be effective as of May to encourage domestic lending through long term funding. On June 1, Public deposit banks Ziraat Bank, Halkbank and Vakifbank launched new retail loan campaigns for house purchases and consumer spending. On June 3, the withholding tax on returns from FX mutual funds was raised to 15 percent from 10 percent for real persons and zero for legal persons, and the Capital Markets Board (SPK) imposed some limitations on the portfolio composition of FX mutual funds. On June 5, the CBRT announced the reallocation of TL 20 billion of the TL 60 billion TL rediscount credit facility for exporters towards advance loans for investment in support strategic projects. On June 9, BRSA raised the upper limit on instalment plans for credit card purchases of services from airlines, travel agencies and hotels to 18 months from 12 months.

Policy regarding 60% wage replacement (see April 7) still in place.

Turkey won’t reopen schools until September. Turkey has said it won’t reopen schools until September, but distance learning programs will continue until June 19 in line with the government’s gradual plan to reopen the country amid the continued COVID-19 pandemic. “The 2019-2020 education year for the schools under the Education Ministry has been terminated. The new school year will begin in September,” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in his address after a weekly cabinet meeting late May 18. ; https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/distance-learning-to-continue-until-june-19-154880

There remains an ongoing curfew for those aged over 65, those born after 1 January 2002, and those who have a chronic medical condition, with the following exceptions: Adults over 65 years old are allowed outside, between 10am and 8pm on a daily basis. People under 18 years of age are allowed outside at any time but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Beyond these exemptions, people in these categories must not leave their homes. https://tr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/

HES system still in place as of June 29, therefore coded as 1G (see note on June 1st for more info). https://tr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/

On June 11, Turkey announced opening the majority of its international air, land, and sea borders. The border with Iran remains closed. The border with Syria remains closed. The Turkish Ministry of Health officials will screen travelers at airports and maritime ports, as well as some land crossings, using thermal cameras; and travelers with temperatures will be subject to public health requirements, which may include mandatory hospital stay and/or testing that results in hospital quarantine. https://tr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/

On June 25, restrictions on travel for tourism purposes by citizens aged 65 were eased (see later note). Restrictions remain the same for vulnerable + under-aged. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

General Curfew in all provinces between 09:30 and 15:00 on June 27 and between 09:30 and 18:30 on June 28. Though this would be a 3G, the limited timeframe doesn't include evenings in either case, so 2G is maintained. https://tr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/; https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/yks-tedbirleri-kapsaminda-81-ilde-uygulanacak-olan-sokaga-cikma-kisitlamasi

Turkey, Iran to restart flights in August, reopen borders for travelers; https://www.dailysabah.com/business/turkey-iran-to-restart-flights-in-august-reopen-borders-for-travelers/news

Turkey won’t reopen schools until September. Turkey has said it won’t reopen schools until September, but distance learning programs will continue until June 19 in line with the government’s gradual plan to reopen the country amid the continued COVID-19 pandemic. “The 2019-2020 education year for the schools under the Education Ministry has been terminated. The new school year will begin in September,” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in his address after a weekly cabinet meeting late May 18. ; https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/distance-learning-to-continue-until-june-19-154880

Other than nightclubs, every establishment could reopen in some form on June 1. Since nightclubs are only technically banned from opening through a provision prohibiting "music events," and every other establishment reopened, including bars and hookahs, I rate this as 1G beginning on June 1st. (NOTE: Some media reports that bars could not reopen, per press release of the government and some anectodal evidence, this seems incorrect) https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/81-il-valiligine-lokanta-restoran-kafe-vb-isyerleri-park-piknik-alanlari-mesire-yerleri-ve-giyim-pazarlari-genelgesi; https://www.insider.com/nightclubs-bars-social-distancing-right-2020-6 (not archivable, anectodal evidence)

FISCAL A TL100 billion package was announced. This consists of TL75 billion ($11.6 billion or 1.5 percent of GDP) in fiscal measures, as well as TL 25 billion ($3.8 billion or 0.5 percent of GDP) for the doubling the credit guarantee fund. Key support measures included (i) raising minimum pension and cash assistance to families in need, (ii) increased employment protection by loosening short-term work allowance rules (iii) reduced/postponed taxes for affected industries (eg. tourism), and also for citizens over 65 or with chronic illnesses, (iv) extension of personal and corporate income tax filing deadlines, (v) easing of households’ utility payments to local governments, (vi) a ban on layoffs, initially, for three months, with a state subsidy for affected staff, (vii) state payment of two-thirds of workers’ salaries in affected firms, (viii) debt relief for local governments’ earmarked revenues, (ix) 32,000 additional medical staff hired and performance payments maximized, (x) allowances of social assistance and solidarity foundations increased, including accelerating support for farmers, (xi) direct support to Turkish Airlines and other affected entities, and (xii) Turkey Wealth Fund (TWF) given new rights to buy stakes in distressed firms, (xiii) TWF was assigned to inject a core capital of 0.4 percent of GDP into three state banks, funded by issuance of Treasury bonds. In June the authorities indicated that with additional policy measures, total measures to counter the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic rose to over TL 498 billion (US$ 72 billion or 10.8 % of GDP), including deferred loan repayments. The Banking and Insurance Transaction Tax rate on real persons’ foreign exchange and gold purchases was raised to 1% from 0.2%, and the withholding tax on interest income on banks’ commercial bonds was raised to 15% from 10%, according to a statement in the Official Gazette on May 24. On June 19, a new law raised the upper limit of the Treasury's special-purpose domestic government bond issuance to 5 percent of the 2020 budget revenue forecast (previously the limit was 3 percent). On June 30 , the the short-work allowance system that provides income support to employees of fully or partially closed businesses due to force majeure was extended by one month. http://archive.fo/KkSWz

https://tr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/; https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/yks-tedbirleri-kapsaminda-81-ilde-uygulanacak-olan-sokaga-cikma-kisitlamasi

MONETARY AND MACRO-FINANCIAL The CBRT has lowered the policy rate by a cumulative 250bps to 8.25 percent as of May 21. A package of financial measures was introduced at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically, liquidity facilities were augmented, including with longer-term instruments and at discounted rates. The reserve requirements on foreign currency deposits were reduced by 500 bps for banks meeting lending growth targets. A new TL lending facility for SMEs in the export sector was set up. Exporters’ inventory financing is being supported by extending maturities for existing and new export rediscount credits. A second package of CBRT measures (March 31) allowed for an increase in outright purchases of sovereign bonds, and broadened the pool of assets for use as collateral in CBRT transactions. A third package of measures of CBRT increased the upper limit for CBRT’s funding through Open Market Operations and regulated the primary dealer banks outright sovereign bond sales to the CBRT to maintain market depth, strengthen the monetary policy transmission mechanism and support the Primary Dealership system. The bank regulator announced forbearance measures, primarily to limit the accounting impact of TL depreciation and fall in securities’ prices. The LTV limit on mortgages was raised from 80 to 90 percent. The minimum payment for individual credit cards was reduced to 20 percent, and banks postponed repayments on credit card loans for housing, consumer and vehicle purchases. Bank regulator implemented a new regulatory ratio incentivizing banks support for the real economy and government financing Public banks granted firms affected by the crisis a 3-month moratorium on bank loan repayments (principal and interest). Debt enforcement and bankruptcy proceedings (except in alimony cases) have been suspended. Firms’ dividend payments limited to 25 percent of 2019 profits. Exporters will be provided with inventory financing, and reimbursement of rediscount credits have been extended by 90 days. On May 20, the CBRT announced that the overall limit of the bilateral swap agreement between Turkey and Qatar was increased from US$ 5 billion to US$ 15 billion equivalent. On May 29 the BRSA amended the calculation of the Asset Ratio (AR), imposed on banks to be effective as of May to encourage domestic lending through long term funding. On June 1, Public deposit banks Ziraat Bank, Halkbank and Vakifbank launched new retail loan campaigns for house purchases and consumer spending. On June 3, the withholding tax on returns from FX mutual funds was raised to 15 percent from 10 percent for real persons and zero for legal persons, and the Capital Markets Board (SPK) imposed some limitations on the portfolio composition of FX mutual funds. On June 5, the CBRT announced the reallocation of TL 20 billion of the TL 60 billion TL rediscount credit facility for exporters towards advance loans for investment in support strategic projects. On June 9, BRSA raised the upper limit on instalment plans for credit card purchases of services from airlines, travel agencies and hotels to 18 months from 12 months. In June, the Capital Markets Board lifted the ban on short-selling transactions for the top 30 shares on Borsa Istanbul (BIST)

"state payment of two-thirds of workers’ salaries in affected firms" https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

"raising minimum pension and cash assistance to families in need, (ii) increased employment protection by loosening short-term work allowance rules (iii) reduced/postponed taxes for affected industries (eg. tourism), and also for citizens over 65 or with chronic illnesses, (iv) extension of personal and corporate income tax filing deadlines, (v) easing of households’ utility payments to local governments" https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Still current: https://www.saglik.gov.tr/?_Dil=2

Still current: https://www.trtworld.com/life/turkey-conducts-over-4-53m-tests-to-diagnose-covid-19-latest-updates-38392

Still current

Still current https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Can't find information on an official gov policy, however some forms of public gathering are clearly being allowed: Weddings allowed: https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-turkey-reopening/turkeys-wedding-halls-reopen-with-lace-trimmed-masks-and-muted-celebrations-idUKKBN2432RV Religious services allowed: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/culture/hagia-sophia-ready-for-muslims-friday-worship/1919914

Regular public transportation now appears to be open and functioning, with contact tracing and mask mandates in place. No government closure recommendation seems to be in place. "Anyone wishing to undertake intercity travel using public transport must get an “HES” code (“Hayat Eve Sigar”). This can be done through the e-Devlet system, the ‘Hayat Eve Sigar’ smartphone application and by SMS."; "Regular bus services have resumed in most areas." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/coronavirus

"There remains an ongoing curfew for those who have a chronic medical condition. In addition: If you are a Residence Permit holders over 65 years old, you must stay inside between 8pm and 10am on a daily basis. This does not apply to those visiting for tourism. People under 18 years of age are allowed outside at any time but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/coronavirus

"In late May, the authorities announced their intention to lift most of the COVID-related restrictions, effective from June 1, including: removal of travel restrictions between 15 major cities," https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

"On June 11, Turkey announced opening the majority of its international air, land, and sea borders. The land border with Iran remains closed. The border with Syria remains closed. COVID-19 control measures for air, land, and sea travel continue. Passengers arriving in Turkey will be required to complete an information form and will be checked for symptoms. Anyone suspected of having COVID-19 will be transported to a hospital for examination. If an individual on a particular aircraft/vehicle/vessel is found to have COVID-19, the information forms completed upon arrival will be used to identify others have been in contact with them; those individuals will then be subject to 14-day isolation/quarantine. To date, tourist travelers do not need any specific health documentation to enter/exit Turkey unless they are arriving for medical treatment." As only land border with Iran and Syria remain closed, I think this needs to be recoded (and back recoded to June 11) as a 1. https://tr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/

Still current, full country closure https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

Still current, workplaces are largely open with only certain workplaces (e.g. nightclubs) still closed. https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-turkey/doctors-say-turkish-covid-19-outbreak-worse-than-reported-as-hospitalisations-swell-idUKKCN251231

No specific number restricting gatherings can be found

Still current, "Meanwhile, some media outlets said on Wednesday that most of the public transport vehicles in Istanbul are packed with passengers, totally ignoring the social distancing rule. The NTV broadcaster released a photo of a minibus in the Kucukcekmece district of Istanbul, traveling with a door open due to the crowd inside." http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-08/05/c_139267302.htm

Curfews and stay at home for certain populations still current https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/coronavirus

Still current, domestic travel allowed, "Turkish citizens and residents must request a HES (Hayat Eve Sigar) Code for domestic and international flights, train and ferry travel." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/coronavirus

Still current

Still current

Still current

Still current

"Turkey has carried out almost 5 million COVID-19 tests so far, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said Tuesday. Health care professionals performed 46,249 tests from Monday to Tuesday. " https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/turkeys-fight-against-covid-19-outbreak-intensifies-with-new-measures/news

"Governorates are ordered to set up contact tracing monitoring boards which will closely monitor patients at hospitals and in self-isolation and report daily changes in cases." https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/turkeys-fight-against-covid-19-outbreak-intensifies-with-new-measures/news

Amid spiking cases, new guidance and regulations on events: "The new regulation also clarifies restrictions at crowded events like weddings. Authorities will issue a warning and fines and suspend the activities of businesses violating social distancing and hygiene rules. The tradition of condolence meetings, common in eastern and southeastern Turkey, where crowds pay mass visits to families who have lost a member, was also banned." https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/turkeys-fight-against-covid-19-outbreak-intensifies-with-new-measures/news "Measures in celebrations such as weddings and engagement parties have also been tightened to curb the fast spreading of the pandemic, the notice said, adding that funerals and other large gatherings would also be rigidly controlled." http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-08/05/c_139267302.htm

On June 1, "Turkey has reopened restaurants and cafes in addition to many other public areas, as the government further eased coronavirus restrictions". Bars, hookah bars and nightclubs were required to remain closed. Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/turkey-eases-lockdown-restaurants-reopen-flights-resume-70996794 https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/turkey-reopens-public-places-coronavirus-lockdown-200601143056501.html (unable to archive)

"Turkish Citizens and residents under the age of 18 will be able to go out any time, in the company of a parent. This does not apply to foreign tourists. Turkish Citizens and residents above the age of 65 will be able to go out every day, between 10:00-20:00. Several provinces, including Ankara and Izmir, have implemented new restrictions on people 65 years and older. These measures include limiting the hours per day those individuals are allowed outside, limiting their use of public transportation, and prohibiting the elderly from attending large events such as weddings, market places, and shopping centers. This does not apply to foreign tourists." Source: https://tr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/

No restrictions on intercity or inter province travel are currently in place. Source: https://tr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/

"COVID-19 control measures for air, land, and sea travel continue. Passengers arriving in Turkey will be required to complete an information form and will be checked for symptoms. Anyone suspected of having COVID-19 will be transported to a hospital for examination. If an individual on a particular aircraft/vehicle/vessel is found to have COVID-19, the information forms completed upon arrival will be used to identify others have been in contact with them; those individuals will then be subject to 14-day isolation/quarantine." Source: https://tr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/

Following the spike of cases in the Turkish capital Ankara, in the last few days, "people, who are 65 years of age and above or those suffering from chronic diseases, have been restricted access to weddings, funerals, condolences, market places and social activities, where masses gather. The duration of the street wedding parties in Ankara has been limited to two hours, while the mass serving of food to wedding attendees has also been banned". Source: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/latest-on-coronavirus-outbreak/turkey-imposes-new-virus-restrictions-in-capital/1944802

According to the state-run news agency Anadolu, following the increase the number of cases in the last few days in the capital city Ankara, "owners of buses, minibuses and taxis will be required to place fibreglass windows in vehicles to separate drivers from passengers." Source: https://ahvalnews.com/turkey-coronavirus/turkey-imposes-new-covid-19-curbs-capital-infections-top-250000