84 pct of Turkish citizens 'support curfew' to curb coronavirus spread

Duvar English

Some 84 percent of the Turkish citizens reportedly support a curfew against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that claimed the lives of over 550 people in the country.

The percentage of those fully support a curfew stands at 54 percent, while 30 percent said that they support it with several concerns, according to a poll submitted to main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.

The poll carried out by Yöneylem Social Researches Center in 81 provinces with the participation of 2,605 people from all age groups and education levels showed that 16 percent of the people oppose a curfew, daily Cumhuriyet reported on April 6.

Since reporting its first coronavirus case on March 11, Turkey has been adopting measures to curb the spread of the virus, including imposing curfew for those below the age of 20 and above the age of 65.

However, there are still millions of people obliged to commute to their workplaces across Turkey, with the opposition urging the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to impose a nationwide curfew.

The participants were also asked about the problems that Turkey needs to solve urgently. The pandemic topped the list, with 46 percent saying that it's the most urgent issue.

The pandemic was followed by economic crisis with 31 percent and unemployment with 15 percent.

According to the poll, 79 percent follow the developments on coronavirus regularly and know the symptoms of the disease. While 58 percent said that they know all the symptoms and 38 percent said they have partial knowledge, 4 percent is completely unaware of the symptoms.

The ratio of those who said that they never leave their homes was 76 percent, while those who said that they go out occasionally was 19 percent. Five percent said that they go out all the time.

Some 78 percent apply social distancing when they go out, while 20 percent stick to distancing from time to time.