Several thousand people demonstrated on Saturday in Turkey against the recently implemented COVID-19 protocols to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Earlier this week, the Turkish government said a vaccination test or a negative coronavirus test would be needed to attend concerts and other events with larger crowds, according to Reuters. Restrictions also apply to certain modes of transportation, such as trains and buses.
In public spaces, people have to practice social distancing and wear masks. In addition, COVID-19 tests should be performed several times a week those who work in schools and remain unvaccinated, according to the media.
Protesters on Turkish streets on Saturday alleged that recent measures violated their personal freedoms.
The news comes after France and Greece have seen similar protests over coronavirus restrictions. Protesters in the countries have made similar arguments about personal freedoms.
France and Greece have required medical staff to be vaccinated. In addition, France requires people who use a health pass to prove whether they have been vaccinated or have recently had a negative COVID-19 test.
According to data from the World Health Organization, COVID-19 cases in Turkey have remained relatively stagnant since early August. Between Wednesday and Friday this week, the country registered about 23,000 new daily cases of COVID-19.
In comparison, in July there were thousands of cases. Reuters noted that 64 percent of eligible people have been completely vaccinated.
The current travel warning from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Turkey’s COVID-19 levels were “very high” and urged travelers to avoid traveling to Turkey. It was said that if travelers were to go to the country, they had to be completely vaccinated.