Minister of Health, Dr. Fahrettin Koca, delivered a statement following the Coronavirus Scientific Committee meeting.
Koca commented that panic was the primary thing that made things spin out of control and continued, "Panic is sentimental not rational. We have to have common sense. It will not always be like this, we will go back to our normal lives."
"We will overcome this problem with strict measures"
Pointing out that public institutions worked around the clock to fight against the coronavirus and people should support these efforts by following the measures strictly, Koca continued:
“The common sense of our people is as important as the organizational power of our state. Around the globe, this disease is an epidemic. We are luckier compared to this general picture. We know our enemy well. Our healthcare infrastructure is rapid and widespread. So, we must be sure. We will overcome this problem with strict measures."
"Number of laboratories will be increased"
Pointing out that the Scientific Committee introduced new recommendations and the number of diagnostic kits would be increased, Koca continued, "We will increase the number of laboratories from 6 to 16 by the weekend. We have also decided to distribute rapid diagnostic tests across the country. Thus, tests can be performed on more suspected cases in no time."
"184 Corona hotline"
Noting that the Ministry of Health's call center was serving as "184 Corona hotline", Koca continued, "If they have any symptoms, people can receive services from this hotline. Some preliminary services will be provided to the masses from this hotline through expert physicians."
"We have flight bans to 20 countries"
Saying that flight bans were introduced for 14 countries, Koca added, "Now, we included 6 more countries. As of 8 am tomorrow, flights to and from the UK, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates will be banned. So now, we have flight bans to 20 countries."
"We have positive cases"
Minister noted that the number of cases were 18 yesterday.
"Right now, we have new positive cases. There are also samples currently being tested", the Minister said and added that he would announce the updated figure later in the evening.
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