Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has decided to cancel a weekend lockdown announced late on Thursday after a public backlash, but he has warned of a rise in the number of daily coronavirus cases.
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On Thursday, Turkey's interior ministry announced the stay-at-home order in 15 cities to prevent the spread of the virus, continuing the country's policy of weekend lockdowns.
In a series of tweets, Erdogan said on Friday the government had to impose the weekend lockdown after daily new COVID-19 cases rose from around 700 to almost 1000.
"However, the reactions we received from our people pushed us to re-evaluate the decision" and the lockdown is now revoked, he said, urging citizens to follow social distancing and hygiene measures.
Australian Associated Press
