First coronavirus death reported in North Cyprus

The Turkish Republic of North Cyprus (TRNC) has confirmed its first death from the coronavirus.

On Sunday, the Ministry of Health announced Jabusch Bruno Gottfried Gerhard had died in Lefkoşa Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital. The 73-year-old German national had underlying medical conditions.

Mr Gerhard was part of a group tour holidaying in North Cyprus when he was hospitalised on Friday 20 March, after testing positive for COVID-19. He was also suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypertension. He underwent treatment for the virus, but sadly passed away on Sunday morning from respiratory failure and multiple organ failure.

North Cyprus’ first case of coronavirus was confirmed on 10 March, after a German national was diagnosed with the disease. Since then, the number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the TRNC has risen to 62. Of these, 29 have made a full recovery. A total of 1,021 people in the TRNC have been tested for the virus.

In South Cyprus, 5,917 people have been tested to date, with 179 found to be infected with COVD-19. Five people have died after contracting the virus.