Turkey announces inspections, measures to curb COVID-19 rise

Turkey’s interior ministry anunced new measures Wednesday to curb spre of COVID-19 as daily confirmed cases peaked back above 1,000.

In a circular, interior ministry said its units would conduct “one-on-one monitoring” for people who have been required to self-quarantine, especially in first seven days of isolation.

ministry warned it would t accept any violations of obligation to wear masks and maintain social distancing iat garings such as weddings or circumcision ceremonies, on pain of fines and temporary closures. It said garings after funerals would be restricted.

To encour precautions, businesses and transport services that meet safety requirements would be awarded a “safe ” logo after three inspections, ministry said.

ministry also said contact tracers would be assisted by law enforcement in urban and some rural areas, or by teachers and imams elsewhere.

Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu tweeted that a wide-ranging inspection would take place across Turkey on Thursday.

Latest statistics show nearly 235,000 confirmed COVID-19 infections and 5,765 fatalities in Turkey.

Daily cases h dropped below 1,000 before Turkey began reopening businesses in early June to prop up ecomy, especially tourism, but went up to an aver of 1,360 after mid-June. cases h decreased to an aver of 945 for past three weeks but climbed back up to 1,083 Tuesday.