Health Minister Koca: One Person Diagnosed with Covid-19 in Turkey

* Photo: Fatih Kurt - Ankara/AA - Source: AA

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Turkey has confirmed its first case of Covid-19, the novel strain of coronavirus, as of today (March 11).

Holding a press conference at around 12.50 a.m. today, Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca has confirmed Turkey's first case of the novel coronavirus, stressing that all precautionary measures are being taken.

"A male citizen tested positive for the coronavirus in the evening," Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said at the press conference in the capital city of Ankara, without sharing any further information about his age, identity or where the virus was diagnosed for reasons of patient's privacy.

Indicating that the person has been diagnosed with the virus after the causes of his high body temperature and cough were inquired, Koca said, "The infected individual contracted the virus after returning from Europe. He has been completely isolated."

The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, was first detected last December in Wuhan, China.

The global death toll from the coronavirus is now over 4,260 casualties, with more than 118,100 confirmed cases, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The virus has since spread to six continents and more than 100 countries around the world.

"The patient's general condition is good. All of his family members and those who came into contact with him are under surveillance," Minister Koca added.

"An early diagnosis [of the patient] was made. If there is a virus infection in the country, it is very limited. One or more cases of the coronavirus should not be considered an epidemic," he noted.

"The coronavirus is not stronger than the measures we will take. A quarantined patient cannot threaten society."

"Please do not go abroad unless it is compulsory. We must follow the ministry's guidelines for safeguarding against the coronavirus," he said and called on "the citizens who have come from abroad to especially isolate themselves for a period of 14 days."

"Turkey planned its fight against the coronavirus. Turkey will fight nationally against this global problem," the Minister concluded his remarks.

How to protect oneself from the new Coronavirus?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the protective measures against the new coronavirus (Covid-19) can be briefly listed as follows:

Wash your hands frequently

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Maintain social distancing

Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Practice respiratory hygiene

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

(EKN/SD)