PodcastTransportation to Istanbul Princes' Islands stops amid COVID-19 outbreak
Istanbul's Princes' Islands will be closed off to entrances and exits as of April 26, until the end of May. Residents of the islands, public servants and essential workers will be exempt from the ban if they provide proof of their residence or duties.
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All transportation to Istanbul's Princes' Islands will stop April 26 at midnight, and will remain suspended until May 31 at midnight to slow the spread of COVID-19, the district governorship said April 23.
The decision aims to prevent large crowds from visiting the islands as the weather gets nicer, which presents a risk of facilitating the spread of COVID-19, Princes' Islands District Governorship said in an official statement.
Residents petition to close off access to Istanbul Princes' Islands on spring holidayResidents of the islands, working individuals and anyone who's tasked with producing and distributing essential needs will be exempt from the lockdown, on the condition that they document proof of their duties.
All hotels on the islands were also shut down and sailing on private boats around the islands was also prohibited.
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