Minister of Health, Dr. Fahrettin Koca, made statements on the latest developments about the novel coronavirus.
Underlining that measures not taken in Europe were taken in Turkey a long time ago, Koca continued: "Because we value human life. Europe acted slowly and is still doing so. This attitude has a human cost. Slow implementation of neighboring countries led the case numbers to go up, and now the disease is at our borders."
Adding that 84 countries, including Turkey's neighboring countries, had reported cases, Koca said:
"The total number of cases reached 95.572, 3285 people lost their lives worldwide, and the number of recovered cases is 53.411."
"Anyone going and coming back from abroad is a potential carrier"
Pointing out that the recommendations of the Scientific Committee were translated into decisions very swiftly and implemented, the Minister said:
"The epidemic is at our borders. It is in 84 countries and counting. Anyone going and coming back from abroad is a potential virus carrier."
Koca also noted that they attached a lot of importance in informing the public and they would like the public to follow all warnings.
Noting that people returning from Umrah pilgrimate underwent medical examination, Koca continued:
"No positive cases were detected. Around 20 thousand people arrived and no more than 15 only have the seasonal flu."
Referring to the measures taken at Istanbul Airport, Koca said:
"Europe and the US have yet to use thermal cameras. We use them at airports and land borders. We use these cameras for transit passengers, as well. I would like to specifically underline that everything is well taken care of."
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