Turkey and Georgia will temporarily close the Sarp border crossing for passengers as of Sunday.

Axar.az reports citing Turkish media.

According to a statement from Turkey’s Interior Ministry on Saturday, freight transportation will continue uninterrupted.

The new measure comes amid the coronavirus pandemic which has sounded global alarm.

Turkey has so far confirmed five cases of coronavirus. In order to slow down its spread, Turkey has also closed schools and banned public gatherings.

Sarp is one of the three border gates between Turkey and Georgia. The two others; Turkgozu/Vale, Aktas/Kartsakhi will operate as usual.

The new restrictions will be effective from 5 p.m. local time (1400GMT) and apply to all nationalities.