Decisions Taken Following the Presidential Cabinet Meeting
The Presidential Cabinet meeting began today at around 15:00 and concluded at approximately 19:00. Held under the chairmanship of the President and conducted via video conference, the meeting’s outcomes were announced live by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The following summarizes the decisions and measures adopted at the conclusion of the meeting.
President Erdoğan announced during the live briefing that the sale of face masks is prohibited and that masks will be distributed to the public free of charge as part of the coronavirus response. According to the President, the state has sufficient mask stocks to supply all citizens until the outbreak subsides. Emphasizing the role of the state in providing for public welfare, he underlined that masks will be distributed free to the population.
Two Airports to Be Converted into Hospitals
President Erdoğan said there are no significant problems in hospital treatment capacity and announced plans to convert two airports into hospitals. Atatürk Airport in Yeşilköy and Sancaktepe Airport will be transformed into hospital facilities, each with 1,000 beds. The aim is to complete these conversions within 45 days and open them to public use. Erdoğan stressed that the government has fulfilled its responsibilities to ensure citizens can access essential supplies.
On employment support, the government will subsidize wages for employees so that the employer’s contribution does not reduce pay below the minimum wage, covering the remainder at a 3/2 ratio. Erdoğan also said they have increased the capacity of the Credit Guarantee Fund and expanded relief measures related to taxes, social security contributions, and loan repayments.
As part of relief efforts, enterprises benefiting from KOSGEB loans will receive deferrals for three months on bank loans starting in April; this cost will be borne by KOSGEB. Erdoğan encouraged anyone in need to apply for support, reiterating that assistance will be provided to all eligible persons.
He added that a proposed revision to criminal sentence enforcement will be discussed in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey beginning tomorrow. Reflecting on the global impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Erdoğan said that many things will not return to their previous state and that the government is developing social policies related to food, agriculture, forestry, and animal husbandry to address emerging needs.