Turkey's COVID-19 cases surge by 2,069 to 5,698

Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca

ANKARA, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announced 2,069 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, bringing the total number of infections to 5,698 in the country.

In addition, 17 deaths from the coronavirus were reported on Friday, bringing the total number of deaths to 92, Koca said at a press conference.

A total of 7,533 tests were conducted on Friday on suspected cases, he added, highlighting the need for further measures against the pandemic.

A total of 42 have recovered from the coronavirus disease in Turkey, according to figures from the health ministry.

Turkey reported the first COVID-19 case in the country on March 11.