Erdoğan holds video conference with ministers on coronavirus

Duvar English

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has held a video conference with ministers to discuss the recent developments on the country's struggle against the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

A video was shared from Erdoğan's Twitter account on March 24, showing him talking to Vice President Fuat Oktay, Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu, Education Minister Ziya Selçuk, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli and Health Minister Fahrettin Koca.

Milletimizin hizmetinde mesaimiz devam ediyor. Tüm kurum ve kuruluşlarımızın çalışmalarını yakından takip ediyor, adımlarımızı eşgüdüm içerisinde atmayı sürdürüyoruz. pic.twitter.com/M22GM3vVSD

— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) March 24, 2020

In his call with Oktay, Erdoğan warned those who smuggle various products abroad via different methods, saying that they will face consequences.

"We will also call those who sell these products in the country for unreasonable prices to account," Erdoğan said.

On the issue of energy, Erdoğan suggested discussing postponing payments.

80 percent decrease in public transportation usage

Soylu, meanwhile, said that the use of public transportation in 15 metropolises decreased by 80 percent between March 1 and 23.

Erdoğan started his conversation with Selçuk by congratulating him on the start of the new remote education system.

Selçuk, in return, asked if the ministry can discuss with the Health Ministry's Science Commission on whether to extend the school break.

"We would like to extend it, but what would your order be?" he asked.

"I care highly about the Science Commission's recommendations, because they are the experts. So, it's beneficial to act in accordance with their recommendations," Erdoğan said.

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