Turkey reports first coronavirus death, 89 year old man

ANKARA

AA Photo

Turkey experienced its first fatality from the novel coronavirus on March 17, the health minister said during a press conference at almost midnight.

Fahrettin Koca said that the deceased was an 89-year-old man who contracted the virus from someone who had contact with China.

Koca also confirmed 51 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of infected to 98 in Turkey.

On March 11, Turkey became the last major economy to report a case of the coronavirus.

The Turkish government has been implementing strict measures since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, from flight bans to schools temporarily closing.