Volunteers in protective gear prepare fast-breaking meals during Ramadan – just one initiative to help those in need despite a government block on donation campaigns by opposition mayors. (Photo: AFP/Adem ALTAN)

ANKARA, Turkey: On the Turkish capital's bridges and bus stops, Ankara mayor Mansur Yavas urges wealthier residents to help poorer citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic by paying off their debts to grocers.

"Kindness is more contagious than disease," the advert proclaims, showing a large black book with the word "paid" in red.