COVID-19: Parliament continuing work, may mull recess

ANKARA

Amid restrictions on mass gatherings due to the coronavirus outbreak, Turkey’s parliament will continue to work this week, but may consider a recess at week’s-end, said the parliament speaker Tuesday.

"Work will continue this week, at least until the end of debate on a recent bill, after which we will evaluate the situation," Sentop told reporters in parliament.

Sentop added that parliament's agenda will be set in consultation with parties’ parliamentary groups.

Last week parliament barred visitors to help stem the virus’ spread, and weekly group meetings were cancelled.

In response to the virus’ threat, Turkey has announced the closure of movie theaters, wedding halls, bars, and similar venues, made sports events spectator-free, and subjected returning pilgrims to two-week quarantines, among other measures.

The virus emerged in Wuhan, China last December, and has spread to at least 146 countries and territories. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a pandemic.

Out of 173,000 confirmed cases, the death toll now exceeds 7,000, while more than 77,500 patients have recovered, according to Worldometer, a website that compiles new case numbers.

The current number of active cases is more than 88,500 – 93% mild and 7% in critical condition.