Turkey on Tuesday announced a two-week partial lockdown to help curb a recent rise in the novel coronavirus outbreak in the country.

Axar.az reports that speaking to reporters following a cabinet meeting that lasted three hours, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the new measures against the virus would go into effect on Wednesday evening and continue for the first two weeks of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Among the new restrictions was an expanded weekday curfew start at 7.00 p.m. -- previously 9.00 p.m. -- and last until 5 a.m., during which inter-city travel will also be banned, excluding necessary and urgent situations.

Cafes, restaurants, and teahouses will also only provide home-delivery and takeaway services, while wedding halls, sports centers, and game halls will be closed until the end of the Eid holiday marking the end of Ramadan in the country.