A municipality worker wearing a face mask and protective suits disinfects chairs outside the the historical Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as Blue Mosque, amid the coronavirus outbreak, in Istanbul on Saturday. — AP
A municipality worker wearing a face mask and protective suits disinfects chairs outside the the historical Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as Blue Mosque, amid the coronavirus outbreak, in Istanbul on Saturday. — AP

Turkey has banned people above 65 and those with chronic health problems from leaving their homes as part of Ankara’s efforts to combat the novel coronavirus.

The interior ministry said in an order that the high-risk groups would be under curfew and would not be allowed to leave their residences starting at midnight.

Many Turkish citizens, among them the elderly, have ignored public announcements to remain indoors, flocking to parks and public spaces. The ministry said the continued presence of senior citizens and the chronically ill in the public “risks themselves and public health.”

At least 670 people have tested positive for COVID-19 and nine people have died in Turkey.

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