Turkey Conducted 10 Thousand Covid-19 Tests So Far, Aims to Increase Capacity

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Turkey has so far conducted more than 10 thousand coronavirus tests and aims to carry out 10 to 15 thousand tests daily, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca has announced.

The country currently has test laboratories in 16 provinces out of 81, according to the minister. "The number of laboratories will increase to 36 in 25 provinces in a short time."

The Turkish Medical Association stated on Monday (March 16) that around seven thousand people had been tested and that it was far less than what should have been.

Koca added that they aim to be able to perform 10 to 15 thousand tests daily and would introduce a "rapid diagnostic kit" in a couple of days.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday complained that countries were not doing enough to detect the virus that has so far infected more than 200 thousand people around the world. "We have a simple message for all countries: Test, test, test," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

"As of today, 18 labs are conducting tests in coordination with two university foundations," Koca further said, adding that the country has 99,797 single-bed rooms that may be used for isolation or intensive care for patients.

Turkey has so far confirmed two deaths from and 191 cases of Covid-19.

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