Erdogan advises Turks to stay home, takes steps to support economy

President Tayyip Erdogan advised Turks on Wednesday not to leave home unless necessary for three weeks and to minimize social contact until the threat of the coronavirus recedes, but did not tell them to stay away from work. Turkey announced overnight its first death related to the coronavirus and a doubling of its confirmed cases in one day to 98 after it ramped up steps to combat the virus' spread, closing cafes, banning mass prayers and halting flights to 20 countries.

"None of our citizens must leave their homes or get into contact with anyone, unless absolutely necessary until the threat disappears," Erdogan said in a speech after a special meeting in Ankara to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. "Our citizens who are going to their offices should directly return to their homes at the end of the business day," he said.

Erdogan also said Turkey would postpone debt payments and reduce the tax burden on various sectors as part of a 100 billion lira ($15.4 billion) package of new measures to support the economy and lessen the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The president called on banks not to restrict loans and for companies not to cut jobs, while also vowing to support the national carrier, Turkish Airlines.