A doctor in Turkey has died of COVID-19, said Fahrettin Koca, the health minister, adding that more than 600 healthworkers have been diagnosed with the virus. "The number of our doctor friends, nurses or other healthcare personnel affected by the novel coronavirus is high. This figure, which I reluctantly announce, is 601," announced Minister Fahrettin Koca, according to AFP. This is the reportedly the first doctor to pass away after contracting the coronavirus in Turkey. Istanbul recorded 8,852 infections and 117 deaths on Wednesday evening – a significant proportion of Turkey’s overall 15,679 cases and 277 deaths. Fahrettin Koca, Turkey’s health minister, told reporters that Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, and Kocaeli combined have 11,411 cases. By Yasmine Mosimann
