No virus is stronger than our precautions, Erdoğan says about coronavirus
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said "no virus is stronger than our precautions" hours after Turkey reported its first coronavirus case. Erdoğan said that the person who was diagnosed with coronavirus returned to Turkey after visiting Europe, adding that the individual's treatment is ongoing. "The patient's family is also being observed," he said.
Duvar English
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan commented on Turkey's first reported coronavirus (COVID-19) case, saying "no virus is stronger than our precautions."
"The precautions we adopt as individuals against this virus will be the most effective way of protection just like any other disease," Erdoğan told members of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on March 11, while advising the elderly and people with a weak immune system to avoid crowds for a while.
Health Minister Fahrettin Koca early on March 11 reported Turkey's first coronavirus case without sharing any details of the individual.
Erdoğan said that the person who was diagnosed with coronavirus returned to Turkey after visiting Europe, adding that the individual's treatment is ongoing.
"The patient's family is also being observed," he said.
Saying that Turkey took precautions against the virus on time, Erdoğan noted that it was not possible to protect Turkey completely when the virus spread in neighboring country.
"The first condition of protecting yourself from this virus is cleanliness," Erdoğan said, while noting that everyone should abide by health personnel's warnings.
Erdoğan reiterated his advice to stop physical contact when greeting each other.