Minister of Health, Dr Fahrettin Koca delivered a press statement following the Regional Assessment Meeting covering the provinces of Bursa, Balıkesir, Bilecik, Yalova and Çanakkale.
Before the meeting, Minister Koca paid a visit to the governor of Bursa, Yakup Canbolat, at the historical governorate building.
Following this visit, Koca talked to the press and said, "Right now, the most powerful weapon we have against this pandemic are measures. We know that this battle cannot be won by only treating patients, it is won by preventing the spread. This is only possible by following the measures. We go around the country and reiterate out call."
“The fight against the pandemic is a fight to protect all life”
Noting that the coronavirus pandemic had gained speed throughout the country, Minister Koca said, "Right now, Bursa is going through the most critical times. Compared to mid-September, the daily number of cases has increased nearly 3-fold. This pandemic has taught us that the spread of the virus does not only mean more people are getting sick but the life in general is disrupted. That is why the fight against the pandemic is a fight to protect all life."
Scientific Board to Meet in Istanbul
Pointing out that the number of cases in Istanbul corresponded to 40% of the cases nationwide, Koca added, "Starting from this weekend, I will be working with my colleagues in Istanbul. I am planning to have meetings with the governor of Istanbul, the mayor and the chief provincial police. We will also hold the Scientific Committee meeting in Istanbul. I believe that we will take some measures today that will facilitate inspections, daily life and public transportation. Let's show an effort to follow the measures as our healthcare workers show an effort to heal patients."
"These simple measures will prevent new cases"
With regard to the situation of the pandemic in the country, Minister Koca continued, "How should we go on with our daily lives while the pandemic is reaching its second peak in Anatolia? We defined how to do that with a controlled social life. Above all else, we need to reduce the time we spend outdoors. If we do not need to go outside or to work, let's stay home. Let's remind ourselves that life fits home. If we are indoors with another person, we should wear a mask. Let's protect each other by keeping a safe distance. These simple measures will prevent new cases. If we disregard measures and let things run their course, we will be defeated in winter."
"We cannot win this by only treating patients"
Noting that Turkey's healthcare system was strong enough to give the best treatment possible, Minister Koca added that contact-tracing teams were doing a great job on the field.
Saying that the important thing was to keep distance from the disease, Minister Koca continued, "Let's show an effort to follow the measures as our healthcare workers show an effort to heal patients. My message to you is that our strongest weapon against the pandemic are measures. We know that this battle cannot be won by only treating patients, it is won by preventing the spread. This is only possible by following the measures."
