Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun gave an interview to the newspaper Milliyet via teleconference. Altun answered questions regarding Turkey’s fight against the coronavirus and evaluated the situation.
Where are we in combating coronavirus?
As you know, we started to take the necessary measures even before there were not any confirmed cases in Turkey. In this regard, first of all, a Scientific Board, which consists of specialists and academics from Turkey’s leading universities with competence in the areas of infection, microbiology, virology, internal medicine, intensive care and pulmonology, was established by the Ministry of Health on January 10. The Scientific Board has taken advisory decisions on many issues so far and these decisions have been put into practice by the Presidency. I believe that we have slowed down the pandemic with drastic measures taken following the confirmation of the first case in Turkey.
We have entered into a period where we have to make more sacrifices to overcome this crisis at this point. Nevertheless, Turkey will hopefully overcome this crisis in a short while thanks to the measures taken. Currently, we do not have any shortage of medicine and food as a result of the measures taken. Concerning the number of intensive care beds per 100 thousand people, we are in a much better position than the developed countries such as the USA, Germany, Italy and the UK. We are making rapid progress in the production of respirators.
Our nation continues to stand by our state, as they have always done. Thus, I believe that we will overcome this crisis very quickly. Together with our nation, we sustain our unity, cooperation, brotherhood, and solidarity, without complacency.
What can you tell us about those who lead to chaos and opportunists?
Unfortunately, there are people, who are trying to make a profit out of this situation and those who are concerned about creating a perception against the government at a time when we need to unite as a nation and everyone needs to do their part. However, we immediately interfere in the operations by these groups and we will never give them any chance. Directorate of Communications is working on that with a special team. We are vigilant about the perception management operations against Turkey both at home and abroad. With all its organs, our state is strong enough to deal with the groups attempting to carry out such operations as well as the pandemic. In this regard, all legal measures are rapidly taken against the individuals who disseminate disinformation over the internet as well as those who stockpile and try to manipulate the market by increasing the prices.
There are those who say ‘Nothing will happen to me’. What are your messages to prevent the spread of the pandemic?
A perspective of “Nothing will happen to me.” can never be accepted. Unfortunately, this approach will do no good other than undermining the devoted and effective struggle we are putting against the global pandemic. Everyone must follow the measures our state takes at this point. Several young people have been affected by this disease and lost their lives. Therefore, we should not make decisions by looking at the statistics. Everybody must act with a sense of responsibility to society. It should not be forgotten that anyone, who is outside without any errand to run, leaves himself open to the disease. Although you may not be affected by the virus greatly, you may be a carrier and cause others to lose their lives. Therefore everyone should do the right thing. It should not be forgotten that we can only overcome this pandemic with the resolution and sagacity of our citizens as well as strong measures taken by our state.
What are the expectations of the Directorate of Communications from citizens?
First of all, we expect our citizens to follow the statements by our President, Directorate of Communications and the Ministry of Health carefully and to pay heed to warnings strictly. It should never be forgotten that all our warnings are made for the sake of our citizens and for the future of our loved ones. The second important point is that we must be vigilant about the enemies of Turkey, who wish to turn this humanitarian crisis into an opportunity for their bad intentions. Some groups want to lead our people into a panic by disseminating some unaccredited, provocative, and unrealistic information over social media. Our relevant units have determined that almost all of these posts come from terrorist organizations such as FETO, PKK, and DHKP-C. We never give credit to them.
We expect our citizens to disregard any statement other than those made by official and reliable sources, and particularly we expect them not to share any unconfirmed information. Our state is strong enough to overcome this crisis as it has been before. We have mobilized every means available and they are sufficient. Hiding information from our people is totally out of the question, they could rest assured.
What kind of warnings do you have for senior citizens?
Our senior citizens are our elders, our mothers, our fathers. We love them, we appreciate them. They should not forget that all the measures taken by our state are for their health. They should follow the rules strictly. As you know, the virus affects certain age groups more. As a nation, our only concern is to overcome this pandemic with minimal damage. They should not leave their houses for their health. Our state will meet all their needs. In order to meet the needs of those who are 65 years or older and those with chronic illnesses, the Vefa Social Support Group teams under the coordination of Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) as well as teams affiliated to the municipalities are working. The Republic of Turkey will not leave any of its citizens in the lurch during this outbreak, they should rest assured. Surely, we have been deeply upset by a few negative events that have taken place recently against our elders. Our approach towards our elders should be within the framework of respect, love, and esteem.
It's time to be in unity and solidarity. What will be your message for this?
Covid-19 is a global pandemic. We see together how terrible the situation has become in other countries and we witness again that this battle cannot be won only by mobilizing public resources. Each individual should feel responsible and act accordingly. All of our citizens must strictly adhere to the rules of staying at home and maintaining social distancing as insistently emphasized. This has vital importance. Another thing we request from our citizens is that they never abandon themselves to despair and trust in our state. If we join hands altogether and follow the rules strictly, they should remember that we will overcome this, God willing, with minimal damage.
There is no doubt that there will be new procedures and practices that will meet the expectations of the nation regarding the developments and needs. Other measures will also be taken to facilitate the lives of citizens and enable them to run their errands without leaving home as the measures taken in the fields of healthcare and social life become tighter. All citizens should rest assured about that.
Turkey has taken measures before many countries, in particular European countries. When we look at the world, what is our position in terms of healthcare and measures?
Indeed, Turkey is in a fairly good position in terms of the healthcare system. The number of intensive care beds per capita is higher than that of many developed countries including the USA and the UK. We do not have any shortage of masks, disinfectants, and kits. Our shortage of ventilators is being met through intensive efforts. Additionally, the average hygiene level of our people is above world standards. Already-existing habits of our society such as hand washing, offering cologne and frequently bathing are the practices that comfort our healthcare system.
What is your take on some citizens who persistently go out on the streets?
Necessity is the criteria for us to go out at the moment. We are not in favor of restricting any liberties of our citizens unless necessary. However, it is an obligation to implement some measures in the face of a serious crisis such as a pandemic. Unless it is necessary, we want our people to stay at home and maintain social distancing. We rely on the sagacity of our people and we believe that we will overcome this process in the strongest way through the unity between our state and nation.