Turkey’s President is about to give a national address about COVID-19 following two rapid acceleration days taking the case count past 5,000. I’ll be live translating here. A lot of rumors that he will be announcing a shutdown. Let’s see.
In the meantime, I’m watching AHaber. It’s normally very difficult to watch, with deeply partisan and conspiracy-laden commentary.
Tonight there seem to be some really qualified medical experts talking a lot of sense. Surprising but welcome.
Tonight there seem to be some really qualified medical experts talking a lot of sense. Surprising but welcome.
The empty lectern appears, flanked by six Turkish flags. This is going to be a serious announcement.
The President has appeared. Long pause.
“COVID-19 is a global tragedy which is taking lives around the world. It is now touching Turkey as well.” Gives the latest data announced earlier by the Minister.
“We have gone into a phase where we will have to sacrifice more in the fight against COVID-19. But we must not be too calm or panic. Against this danger, we are fighting strongly. We will take all necessary precautions but individuals have to do their duty.”
Talking now about previous 100 billion TL aid, pension increase, unemployment benefit increase and credit guarantees. So far it’s retrospective.
“No-one will be left hungry, we will look after our elderly just as we look after our kids. We aim to break the chain of infection and end this crisis as soon as possible. We just all need to abide by the rules.”
“We were hit by this crisis at a time when we were ready after 17 years of good preparation. We have no problems with food or medicines. The supply chain is working well. We have PPE and test kits because we manufacture them locally. Don’t believe rumor mongers.”
“We have the most ICU beds per capita in the world and we are looking into making our own ventilators. We also increased our test capacity by importing more and making our own. The tests are free. The treatments we need have arrived and more are coming.”
“All our Ministries are working together to ensure people can lead comfortable daily lives. They are speaking virtually all the time and will continue to do so. Every Cabinet meeting will be transparent and virtual.”
“We are adding new responses according to advice from our Expert Council. Every step we take is to keep health, food supply, cleanliness functioning. My people, we have a new package to announce...”
It’s coming now.
It’s coming now.
“1. No more intercity travel without Governor approval.
2. Flexible working in civil service
3. Distanced seating on public transport
4. Picnic areas closed on weekends
5. Military have two week quarantine when they return to civil life (?)
6. No more international flights”
2. Flexible working in civil service
3. Distanced seating on public transport
4. Picnic areas closed on weekends
5. Military have two week quarantine when they return to civil life (?)
6. No more international flights”
Most important part:
“30 biggest cities will put in place these measures very carefully. In both home and work, you will socially distance. You must be clean.”
THIS IS NOT A LOCKDOWN.
“30 biggest cities will put in place these measures very carefully. In both home and work, you will socially distance. You must be clean.”
THIS IS NOT A LOCKDOWN.
“You have to self-isolate if you feel ill. We can see from the rest of the world what happens when people don’t abide by the rules. Look at the US to see what happens.”
He’s not wrong about that last point. The US has managed to mess this up historically.
He’s not wrong about that last point. The US has managed to mess this up historically.
“Stay at home. Be careful in how you adhere to rules. Tomorrow is ours. Be well.”
And close.
And close.
