Turkish agency aids people in Switzerland amid pandemic

By Nazli Yuzbasioglu

ANKARA (AA) – A Turkish state agency and Turkish civil society groups in Switzerland are distributing aid to needy people, including the elderly, as the world is grappling with the novel coronavirus.

In a statement, Turkey’s Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) said that they are working together with the Switzerland branch of Union of International Democrats (UID) as part of the Diaspora COVID-19 Support and Coordination Program to help people in need by distributing aid packages containing food and personal care products.

With the program, launched by the YTB, Turkish citizens living abroad and Turkish non-governmental organizations are assisting people in need.

Associations are producing masks and protective gowns in the workshops they have established with the support of YTB, according to the statement.

The protective gears produced are donated to hospitals and care homes in the region.

Also, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, food packages are distributed to the elderly and families in need due to the pandemic.

Under the program, healthcare workers are also paid regular visits and given gifts to help keep their morale high, the statement added.

Switzerland currently has 30,305 confirmed cases, and the death toll stands at 1,833.

After originating in China last December, COVID-19 has spread to at least 187 countries and regions. Europe and the US are currently the worst-hit regions.

The pandemic has killed over 283,000 worldwide, with total infections exceeding 4.12 million, while recoveries surpassed 1.42 million, according to figures compiled by the US’ Johns Hopkins University.