Turkey went into its first full Covid-19 lockdown this week amid a surge in infections and deaths.
Turkey has the highest infection rate in Europe, the BBC reports. This time last year, the country was seen as a success story for its early action against the pandemic, and was even praised by the World Health Organisation.
A second wave struck this year. At its height this month, there were more than 60 000 new cases a day and more than 300 deaths.
More than 22 million people have been vaccinated so far in this country of 82 million, but critics say the government lifted restrictions too early and the vaccination process has not been fast enough.
The lockdown will last until 17 May.
In terms of the regulations, people must stay at home except for essential shopping trips and urgent medical treatment; all travel between cities requires official approval; schools have closed, and strict capacity limits have been imposed on public transport; and alcohol sales are being limited. Some businesses are exempt from the new restrictions.