Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun drew attention to the measures taken in Turkey within the framework of the struggle against the coronavirus (Covid-19), and said, "We’ll never allow it to collapse like some other countries. We are deeply grateful for the efforts and sacrifice of our healthcare workers. We will overcome this challenge together.”
On his Twitter account, Altun shared a thread and noted that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced a new set of restrictions to stop the spread of the virus.
In his thread, Altun said: “Our government under President Erdoğan’s leadership has been extremely transparent with our public about the coronavirus threat, measures we are taking, and its toll on our country" and recalled since the beginning of the first case in Turkey, they have created a high-level task force, implemented travel restrictions, conducted tens of thousands of tests, bolstered the capacity of the hospitals, supported our healthcare workers, announced stay-at-home orders, and more.
Reiterating that the government just decided to move forward with lockdown measures in 30 metropolitan cities (and city of Zonguldak - a high risk area for respiratory illnesses), banned anyone below the age of 20 from going outside, and mandatory mask wearing in crowded market places, Altun continued as follows:
“The health ministry has been working hard to monitor the situation and provide care for our patients. Our economy ministry has been working very hard to provide financial relief to our economy and support for our workers. Their measures continue to be updated daily. The education ministry has been working to facilitate a smooth transition to distance learning to ensure uninterrupted education and training for our students. Our national security related agencies and companies are supporting R&D efforts to develop medicines and vaccines. We have been and will continue to be very open and transparent about all these activities and any new ideas to meet this enormous challenge.”
“Turkey has been at the forefront of building global solidarity in the face of this threat”
Pointing out that the people continue to show their generosity by donating to the national solidarity fund that was announced by President Erdoğan, Altun added:
“Turkey has been at the forefront of building global solidarity in the face of this threat. We sent critical supplies and food items to Italy and Spain. Our President has had many coordination calls with world leaders including the US, Russia, Indonesia, Algeria among others. Our healthcare system has been under pressure but we’re doing everything we can to support it. We’ll never allow it to collapse like some other countries. We are deeply grateful for the efforts and sacrifice of our healthcare workers. We will overcome this challenge together.”