On 12 November 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Ankara issued an updated Health Alert for Turkey, which reads in part as follows:

“On November 11, the Turkish Interior Ministry issued a notice to the public regarding new COVID restrictions/guidance.

  • Starting on November 12, smoking in public spaces is banned in all 81 provinces in Turkey.
  • Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara inhabitants aged 65 and older are restricted to their place of residence, and only allowed outside between 10am–4pm.
  • A reminder that local and provincial Turkish authorities may impose restrictions at any time and violators may be subject to fines.

“The circular text can be found at: https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/koronavirus-tedbirleri-konulu-ek-genelge. “