Istanbul Mayor urges gov't to impose city-wide curfew to curb coronavirus spread
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has urged the government to impose a city-wide curfew in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), citing the population of the city. "If 15 percent of the city's population go outside, that would mean 2.5 million people. The number corresponds to the population of some European cities," he said.
Duvar English
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has urged the government to impose a city-wide curfew in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
"Some 60 percent of Istanbul is in danger. If 15 percent of the city's population go outside, that would mean 2.5 million people. The number corresponds to the population of some European cities," İmamoğlu said in an interview on March 30, adding that people go out on the streets when whether gets warmer.
"A curfew can be imposed on Istanbul if not on all the country," he added.
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has been dismissing calls to impose a curfew amid the increasing number of coronavirus cases.
During the interview, İmamoğlu said that a curfew is a must in ensuring sterilization.
The mayor also said that the bills must be postponed, adding that all Istanbulites should be sure that their electricity or water won't be cut in this process.