Coronavirus: Movement ban remains in place in north

Restrictive measures in the north have been extended with a traffic ban in all districts until February 10, it was announced on Wednesday.

The decision was to have immediate effect due to the increase in cases and the possibility of overwhelming the health system.

The travel ban is for everyone except for those working for essential services who can move around if they have a negative PCR test.

Kindergartens and nurseries will also remain closed until February 10.

According to reports from the north, only 34 available beds remain in the pandemic hospital after the announcement of 62 new cases on Tuesday, a record number to date.

The chief doctor at the hospital, Deren Oyjar, warned that the situation was critical and would remain so for the next five days.

As of Tuesday, 411,131 tests have been performed in the north detecting a total of 2,433 cases. Some 1,900 people were treated, 517 patients are still being treated, 127 at the pandemic hospital, 377 patients in the general hospital. Thirteen are in ICU.

To date, 14 people have died in the north.