FILE PHOTO: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan talks during a news conference following a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) meeting in Ankara, Turkey, March 18, 2020. Presidential Press Office/Handout via REUTERS

Asharq Al-Awsat

The Turkish government said on Thursday it might resort to the “highest measure” of adopting a complete curfew if coronavirus infections continue to spread.

A partial curfew for senior citizens older than 65 was announced in the country over the weekend, however, it doesn't restrict the general public.

A total of 59 people have died because of the virus in Turkey after cases surged in two weeks to 2,433.

“Complete social isolation is always on our agenda,” Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said on AHaber TV.

Asked whether a complete curfew would be announced, he said: “If we cannot prevent the epidemic with these measures, we can of course take the highest measure,” he added, Reuters reported.

To contain the virus, Ankara said on Wednesday it is keeping schools closed at least until April 30.

It also closed cafes and bars, banned mass prayers, and suspended sports matches and flights.

Separately on Thursday, the government decreed that companies now need permission from authorities to export medical tools used for respiratory support, given rising domestic demand.

The rule covers the export ventilators and related gear, oxygen concentrators, intubation tubes and intensive care monitors, and other medical equipment. Ankara previously said it would stop exporting locally made face masks.