The move came after the same provinces, including 30 metropolitan provinces and the northern province of Zonguldak, went through a four-day curfew that started on April 23, Thursday – when the country marked the National Sovereignty and Children's Day – and ended April 26, Sunday.

Underlining that Turkey has the best ratio for the number of deaths compared to cases in Europe, Erdoğan said the country has entered a period in which it is achieving concrete results in its fight against the coronavirus outbreak as new COVID-19 patients and related deaths are dropping day by day.

"We are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I hope we can celebrate two bayrams after Ramadan," Erdoğan said, thanking citizens for their cooperation and compliance with measures announced by authorities.

Stressing Turkey's efforts to help countries in need to combat COVID-19, Erdoğan said Turkey is sending medical aid to the U.S. comprised of N95 masks, face shields, protective garments and disinfectant. "Military transport planes carrying these supplies will depart tomorrow," the president said. "We have provided 55 countries with supplies to fight the outbreak," he added. 

"We have brought 40,000 citizens back to Turkey, we are planning to bring back 25,000 more from 59 countries," Erdoğan said.

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