Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses nation over coronavirus

President Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday addressed fellow citizens and assured the nation of efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic, saying Turkey was doing its duty to serve its citizens.

“I hope that we will survive these difficult times together. Just follow the rules and directions and also keep staying at home, he said on Twitter, stressing that people over 65 and anyone with chronic illness should not go outside.

The president thanked health workers for their work to keep citizens safe: "I applaud all the doctors, nurses on behalf of my family and my people, I believe we will get through this with them."

He also said Turkey had taken extraordinary measures to deal with the virus. “We have all kinds of products we need. The markets are full and there is nothing in short supply.”

As of March 22, 947 confirmed cases of the virus known as COVID-19 have been reported in Turkey.

There are daily alarming reports from the tourism sector of Turkey that hotels are experiencing difficulties and closing, laying off staff, and tour operators are going bankrupt.

According to representatives of Turkish tourism in Antalya alone, 100,000 employees of travel agencies and hotels may be left without work, and the rest of Russians is already shifted indefinitely due to the official postponement of the start of the summer season.

Source: ria