Turkey bans smoking in public places to reinforce mask use

Gulf Today Report

Turkey has banned smoking in crowded public places to slow a recent surge in symptomatic COVID-19 patients, the Interior Minister said on Wednesday.

The government warned citizens to abide by protective measures as Daily coronavirus cases in Turkey have recently spiked, with 2,693 patients identified.

The Interior Ministry said in a nationwide notice that the smoking ban aimed to ensure citizens comply with rules to wear protective masks properly in public because people were seen to lower them while smoking.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visit the mausoleum of modern Turkey’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

"For this reason, in order to ensure that masks are worn at all times and properly, as of November 12, 2020, a smoking ban will be imposed in areas and regions such as streets and avenues where citizens are or can be crowded together, necessary public squares and public transportation stops," the ministry said.

President Tayyip Erdogan announced last week that all business, including restaurants, cafes, pools and cinemas, would close at 10 p.m. daily as part of measures against the pandemic.

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More than 400,000 people have been infected with COVID-19 in Turkey and 11,145 have died from the respiratory disease, according to Health Ministry data.

Turkey has seen a spike in infections since lifting partial lockdowns and reopening businesses in late May. The latest Health Ministry figures show 86 new fatalities in the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 11,145.

Earlier, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca urged citizens to comply fully with mask wearing and social distancing rules. "I am only asking you to do what you can. Nothing more," Koca wrote on Twitter.