"Primary, middle and high schools would be closed for a week beginning March 16, thereby moving forward the mid-term break. Then, as of March 23, our students will continue their education via internet and television with the distance learning system," Kalın said.

"Secondly, our universities will be suspended as of March 16 for three weeks," he added.

We have the means and capability to get through the fight against coronavirus without giving way to panic or complacency. Given the global picture, we see that the measures taken in Turkey so far have been highly effective.

Noting that public servants’ travels abroad will be subjected to official permission, Kalın also advised citizens to postpone their international travels. (ILKHA)