Effective implementation of unprecedented measures for the protection from COVID-19 syndrome

Despite 82 million populations, Turkey is one of the countries with the lowest mortality rates in the world as a result of successful crisis management and public compliance. Turkey’s public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been rapid and continually evolving as described here. In this short communication we offer insight into the preparedness and response by Turkey of this continued global health threat posed by COVID-19. Turkey implemented multiple containment strategies prior to the first reported case within its borders- to reduce the burden and deadly risk of the virus. In the absence of a specific vaccine, governments, health care professionals and communities in general are continually working together to reduce exposure, infection, clinical severity and community transmission of COVID-19.