Restaurants reopen as Turkey eases virus lockdown

Restaurants and cafes welcomed in customers while beaches and museums reopened as Turkey's broadest easing of coronavirus restrictions came into effect on Monday.

Eateries in the capital Ankara and across the country opened their doors to a limited number of customers after some two months of take-away services only.

A Turkish Airlines flight departed from Ankara airport to Istanbul on Monday as Turkey lifted a travel ban between 15 of its worst-affected provinces.

Museums, gyms, child care centers and nurseries were among other venues allowed to resume operations.

Businesses will be required to ensure that social distancing is maintained and strict hygiene measures are implemented.

Bars, nightclubs and hookah bars however, will remain closed.

A stay-at-home order for people aged 65 and older and minors also remains in place.

The easing of restrictions follows a slowdown in confirmed COVID-19 infections and deaths in the country.