Turkey Reports First COVID-19 Death... 98 Confirmed Cases

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Turkey has reported its first death from the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Fahrettin Koca, Turkey's Minister of Health, announced on the 18th (local time) that "51 new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 98," and added, "The first death has also occurred."

Minister Koca added, "The deceased is an 89-year-old male who was found to have had contact with a Chinese national employee." As the spread of the COVID-19 virus accelerates in Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to preside over an emergency coordination meeting to discuss measures to prevent the virus spread and deliver a national address on the same day.

On the 16th, Turkish authorities suspended flights from six countries including the United Kingdom to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ordered the closure of cafes, gyms, theaters, and other businesses. The Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) also decided to suspend communal prayers at mosques (Islamic places of worship). All elementary, middle, and high schools nationwide have been closed for one week, and universities have been closed for three weeks.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.