Erdoğan says Turkey will overcome coronavirus in ‘two-three weeks’

Turkey will overcome the coronavirus outbreak in two to three weeks through good measures and with as little damage as possible, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on March 25.

In a televised address to the nation, Erdoğan said Turkey was prepared for every scenario on the outbreak and urged Turkish nationals to show patience, understanding and support.

"By breaking the speed of the virus' spread in two to three weeks, we will get through this period as soon as possible and with as little damage as possible," Erdoğan said.

"Bright days await us, so long as we adhere by the warnings, remain cautious and careful," he added. "Every citizen's life is equally valuable to us. That is why we say, 'Stay at Home, Turkey'."

Ankara has taken a series of measures to contain the virus, including limiting the use of public spaces, imposing a partial curfew on the elderly, as well as closing schools, cafes, and bars, banning mass prayers, and suspending sports matches and international flights.

Assuring that the government would always stand by tradesmen and craftsmen, Erdoğan said the unemployment fund and credit guarantee fund would be strengthened.

"The world is moving towards a period in which nothing will be the same after this epidemic disease, and a brand new global, political, economic and social system will be built," the president said.

The president said that the country would earmark 7 billion Turkish Liras ($1.08 billion) in support of workers with minimum wage.

The country will provide 1,000 Turkish liras ($155) to 2 million low-income families and increase the minimum pension to 1,500 Turkish liras ($233), Erdoğan said.

The Turkish government announced it would recruit 32,000 new health sector...