Our first COVID-19 case in Turkey was a 44-year-old male who referred to the hospital on March 9, 2020. The first relateddeath occurred on March 17, 2020. Preparedness for the pandemic has been ongoing before the first case was detected. The NationalPandemic Plan was published in 2006. The Pandemic Influenza National Preparedness Plan was available after being updated in light ofexperiences gained during the 2009 Influenza A pandemic. Accordingly, Pandemic Coordination Boards and Operation Centers havebeen established on the national and provincial levels. This was an adaptable plan to the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Weformed teams to work on a 24/7 basis and established a Scientific Committee at the Public Health Emergency Operation Center withinthe General Directorate of Public Health. “COVID-19 Risk Assessment”, “COVID-19 Guideline” and “Case Report Form”, regulationsof personal protective equipment along with need-based guidelines, treatment algorithms, brochures and related documents have beenreleased. For the case-based follow-up, Public Health Management System (HSYS) is being used. PCR and rapid diagnostic kits arebeing used to analyze the samples at the central Microbiology Reference Laboratory and the authorized laboratories in several provinces.Various preventive measures were implemented including flight restrictions to certain countries, gradually expanded to suspending allflights and prohibiting the entry of foreign nationals, 14-day isolation and symptom monitoring for those that came from countriesunder risk. Persons with chronic diseases have been granted an administrative leave, on campus education at schools and activities ofpublic rest and entertainment areas were temporarily suspended. The measures have been implemented for penitentiary institutions,dormitories, nursing homes, public transport and intercity buses, and also weekend curfews are implemented. In accordance with thepandemic plan, actions have been carried out with a multi-sectoral approach, and preventive measures have been implemented to coverthe society as a whole.