↓ SCROLL TO SEE MORE ↑

What are you looking for?

News

Mandatory face masks lifted for millions of students in Turkey

Mandatory face masks lifted for millions of students in Turkey

The mandatory wearing of protective masks is no longer required for millions of students and teachers in Turkey as the government eased measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.

“We have lifted the requirement to wear masks indoors for all of our 18 million students and teachers at all levels, from preschool to primary, middle and high school,” Education Minister Mahmut Ozer said during a visit to Bartın Province.

He thanked 1.2 million teachers for one of the highest rates of COVID-19 vaccination compared to other Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.

“During this period, the normalization of Turkey was closely linked to keeping schools open for face-to-face learning. Our firm position has facilitated and accelerated the process of normalization in Turkey,” he added.

Erol Ozvar, head of the Council for Higher Education (YÖK), also announced that the wearing of masks has been abolished in accordance with the decisions of the Science Council and the government.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca tweeted a photo of a masked student, writing: “Let’s take our photos as a keepsake. The requirement for face masks in schools has been lifted.”