Turkey’s COVID-19 helpline assisting elderly

ANKARA 

Turkey’s Vefa social support groups have reached out 569,549 families via a helpline established by the country's Interior Ministry to meet the needs of senior citizens in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The country has implemented a partial curfew for its citizens aged 65 and older, who are more susceptible to the virus. 

According to its Interior Ministry, more than 64,000 people have so far called on the helpline for assistance. 

The needs of over 569,549 people have been met by the support groups, which delivered food and medicines to their homes. 

The helplines are listed as 112, 115 and 156 for Turkey.

To date, the Middle Eastern state has registered 9,217 confirmed cases of the virus, and 131 deaths.

Besides restricting the elderly, Ankara has shut malls, cafes and restaurants to contain the spread.

Congregational prayers, sports events, and most gatherings also remain suspended.

Apart from maintaining a balanced diet, medical experts have urged senior citizens to remain active and exercise regularly at home to avoid any health complications.

COVID-19 has so far claimed over 35,000 deaths worldwide, as per Johns Hopkins University's Coronavirus Resource Center. At least 737,000 people have tested positive for the infection in 177 countries.

*Writing by Burak Dag