Turkey's Coronavirus Tally Jumps to 47 Cases

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The number of people tested positive for the novel coronavirus has increased to 47, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca has announced on Twitter.

All the new coronavirus cases in Turkey have come from contacts abroad, namely the US, Europe and Middle East, according to the minister. Three of them have returned from umrah (an Islamic pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia's Mecca), he added.

"Contact with foreign will continue to be a risk. Let's strictly apply the precautions," Koca noted.

"The number of COVID-19 labs nationwide will be boosted to 16, and diagnosis kits will be sent to all cities," he added.

Koca announced yesterday that Turkey made additions to its flight ban list, with flights now banned to the UK, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ireland, and the UAE as of 8 a.m. local time Tuesday (March 17), bringing the total number to 20.

He said Turkey has no coronavirus deaths yet, but it could happen, as there are patients with respiratory problems, he added.

After confirming its first case on March 11, Turkey has taken a series of measures, including shutting down cafes and bars, canceling events and gatherings and restricting flights.

(EKN/VK)