(Bloomberg) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced new measures against the spread of the coronavirus, imposing further restrictions on people’s movements and banning large gatherings.Addressing the nation from Istanbul late Friday, Erdogan said everyone must observe “voluntary quarantine” or face more stringent controls.The Turkish leader announced all flights abroad were suspended and that intercity travel was banned unless authorized by authorities. Some public areas such as picnic spots will be closed during weekends and large groups won’t be allowed in on weekdays. Governors of Turkey’s 30 largest cities, including Istanbul and Ankara, were granted greater powers to implement the limitations, he said.Erdogan’s speech followed fresh figures that present a worrisome increase in coronavirus cases. Earlier Friday, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said Turkey tested 7,533 people over the last 24 hours, diagnosing 2,069 infections. The total number of cases rose to 5,698, while fatalities reached 92, the minister said.“People should meet each other as rarely as possible,” Koca said. “Working hours, work days and holidays should be arranged.”Turkey had its first coronavirus case March 11, while the first fatality occurred March 17.READ: Turkey’s Top Businesses Urge Erdogan to Do More on Virus FalloutFor more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.©2020 Bloomberg L.P.
