Turkey aims to carry out between 10,000 and 15,000 coronavirus tests daily

Duvar English

Capacity of intensive care units under scrutiny amid increase in coronavirus cases in Turkey

Turkey conducted over 10,000 coronavirus (COVID-19) tests so far and aims to carry out between 10,000 and 15,000 tests daily, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on March 19.

Speaking in parliament on the pandemic, Koca said that the number of laboratories for tests will be increased to 36 in 25 provinces soon.

"As of today, 18 labs are conducting tests in coordination with two university foundations," Koca said.

"We think that the number of tests will increase significantly in the upcoming days," he told lawmakers, adding that a quick diagnosis kit will be put to use in the next one or two days.

Koca noted that Turkey sent 500,000 coronavirus test kits to the United States upon their request.

The minister noted that Turkey has 99,797 single-bed rooms that may be used for isolation or intensive care for patients, adding that the country has 25,466 intensive care beds for adults.

"We are ready for all possible worst case scenarios in terms of physical and technological infrastructures," Koca added.

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Saying that a total of 372,000 arrived in Turkey from abroad since March 1, Koca noted messages were sent to each of these individuals and that their controls are made by doctors.

He also praised Turkey's measures against the pandemic.

"Turkey found the most rational midway and adopted necessary measures. The irrational measures adopted against a pandemic can make a society collapse economically," Koca said.

The health minister reiterated that preventive measures to avert the outbreak, such as staying at home and avoiding public gatherings, should be taken seriously.