HES code verification procedures have been abolished across accommodation establishments.

Following the Scientific Advisory Board Meeting, in the statement made by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Fahrettin Koca;

1. it was stated that the HES code application and the requirement to wear masks in open areas have been abolished,
2. and that masks need not be worn in enclosed areas where ventilation is adequate.

In line with the decision of the Ministry of Health's Scientific Advisory Board, the attached Circular prepared by the Ministry of the Interior within the scope of Covid-19 measures has been sent to the Governorships of 81 Provinces. In the Circular;

1. the implementation of the provisions in the previously published Ministry of the Interior Circulars regarding the use of masks, HES code verification, and the requirement to present a negative PCR test result has been terminated as of 03.03.2022.
2. From now on, the requirement to wear masks will not be applied in open areas or in enclosed spaces where social distancing can be maintained and appropriate ventilation conditions are available.
3. On the other hand, it was emphasized that, until a new decision is taken, the requirement to wear masks will continue to be applied in enclosed places where the necessary social distancing between individuals cannot be ensured, such as schools, hospitals, cinemas, and theaters, as well as in all kinds of public transport vehicles (including intercity) such as buses, minibuses, shuttles, trains, the metro, ferries, and airplanes.

In this regard, considering that the Ministry of the Interior has terminated the provisions in its previously published Circulars regarding HES verification as of 03.03.2022, all HES verification procedures applied to both guests and employees at our accommodation establishments have been abolished.

We have initiated efforts with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to have these changes urgently revised in the rules of the "Safe Tourism Certificate" as well.

Given its importance, we respectfully bring this matter to your attention.

Respectfully,

TÜROB Association of Turkish Hoteliers

Müberra ERESİN

President

ATTACHMENT: Circular of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Turkey