Elderly people wearing protective face masks, stroll along the seaside on May 10, 2020, at Ortakoy in Istanbul. AFP
Elderly people wearing protective face masks, stroll along the seaside on May 10, 2020, at Ortakoy in Istanbul. AFP
Elderly people wearing protective face masks, stroll along the seaside on May 10, 2020, at Ortakoy in Istanbul. AFP
Elderly people wearing protective face masks, stroll along the seaside on May 10, 2020, at Ortakoy in Istanbul. AFP

Senior citizens in Turkey go outside for first time since March


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Turkish people aged 65 and over on Sunday described their joy after the government allowed them to go outside for the first time in nearly two months, in an easing of the coronavirus restrictions.

While 24 provinces including Ankara and Istanbul are subject to a weekend lockdown, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last week said senior citizens could leave their homes between 11am and 3pm on Sunday.

They had not been permitted to go outside since March 21.

"Finally it is like we are on holiday as of 11.00 today. We are very happy," said Istanbul resident Umit Avci, 81.

Ankara resident Ayse said: "It's the first time I've come outside since March and I'm so happy, I'm filled with joy."

Minutes before the official start, people in masks and some in gloves were walking on the streets in Ankara, where the sun was shining and spring was in full bloom.

Small parks in the capital were later packed with senior citizens, while police in one park walked around and used loudspeakers urging people to follow social distancing rules.

Some senior citizens called on the government to allow them to go out on weekdays when there is no lockdown.

"What can we do now? Everywhere is closed, we cannot do anything," Saim Iker said in Istanbul.

"They should take this into consideration."

The rule restricting senior citizens' movement was one of many, including shutting schools, enforced by the Turkish government to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Sunday's decision was the first to ease restrictions, with barbershops, hairdressers and shopping centres set to reopen on Monday as the daily death toll remains under 100.

Turkey has so far recorded 137,115 coronavirus infections and 3,739 deaths, official figures released on Saturday showed.

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Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.

Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines: 

Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.

Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.

Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.

Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.

Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

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The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.

It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.

“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.

The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

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