PodcastGovernor bans smoking in public spaces as COVID-19 measure in Turkey's north
The governor's office in the Black Sea province of Giresun banned smoking cigarettes in public spaces on the grounds that it required removing face masks, hence risking the spread of COVID-19. The province will fine those smoking in the streets, parks or any other public spaces.
Duvar English
The governor's office of the Black Sea province of Giresun banned smoking cigarettes in public spaces on Sept. 25, on the grounds that it required the removal of face masks, hence endangering the further spread of COVID-19.
President Erdoğan says gov't will implement new tobacco taxes out of love for smokersThe governor's office banned smoking cigarettes while walking around on the streets, side streets, parks and "other public spaces."
Law enforcement will issue administrative fines to any violators of the new rule, and can go as far as issue criminal punishment, depending on the severity of the violation.
The province will also have businesses regulate their work hours in two shifts, one starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 4.30 p.m., and the other following in a half-hour delay in an attempt to prevent congestion on public transportation.
The governor's office also restricted access to busy areas of town for senior citizens during rush hour.