The school closures due to the coronavirus have been extended until April 30. The latest decisions taken in response to COVID-19 were announced by Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca and Minister of National Education Ziya Selçuk. While Minister Koca confirmed the extension of the school closures, Minister Selçuk stated that schools will remain closed through April 30, 2020. In Turkey, Ministers Koca and Selçuk met today at 13:30 to evaluate the measures required and already implemented in light of the situation. Minister Koca summarized the precautions and guidance as follows:
- He emphasized that organization of the response is strong, but implementation depends on citizens. No physician can completely prevent the spread of the virus; only individuals can help prevent transmission. When necessary, wearing a mask and avoiding close contact will help reduce spread.
- He noted that the number of cases among middle-aged adults is not negligible and that the virus may reveal previously unnoticed health conditions. He advised against hugging or kissing guests and reiterated that the nation’s strength relies on the precautions people take.
- He clarified that the pause in formal schooling has been extended and urged families not to view it merely as vacation; children’s education continues through alternative arrangements.
- He explained that case numbers will be reported to the public with more detail going forward: daily updates will include total confirmed patients, number of tests performed, number of deaths, cases in intensive care, number of intubated patients, and number of recovered patients.
- He warned that an initial test can be negative while turning positive three to five days later. Therefore everyone should act as if they might be carrying the virus and could infect others; for this reason a 14-day self-isolation approach is being applied.
School Closures Extended Until April 30, 2020
The Minister of National Education, Ziya Selçuk, also commented on the extension of the school closures. He said they consulted with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and that distance learning has begun; this week serves as a pilot phase and will continue into next week. He noted that decisions about compensatory instruction will depend on guidance from the scientific advisory board.
- He announced that the break in formal education is extended through April 30, 2020. During this period, paid teachers may be involved in delivering remote lessons. Preparations and necessary work on this arrangement are ongoing.
- He said decisions about postponing exams will be determined based on scientific methodology. Those decisions will be made by ÖSYM and YÖK, and discussions with those institutions are continuing. The ministry is working to minimize students’ exam-related stress.
- He added that topics taught via distance education will not be included in exams, in an effort to reduce students’ stress during this period.