The last hospitalized COVID-19 patient of Northern Cyprus discharged

The last hospitalized COVID-19 patient was discharged in the breakaway Turkish Cyprus. The government in Northern Cyprus closed borders mid-March to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Duvar English

The last patient in treatment for COVID-19 in the breakaway Turkish Cyprus, 83-year-old Zekai Gece was discharged May 11.

Gece's discharge from the Lefkoşa Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu was celebrated with applause on the part of the hospital staff, joined by Prime Minister Ersin Tatar and Health Minister Ali Pilli.

"The last patient was discharged within two months [of the start of the outbreak]. That's success," Tatar said.

Northern Cyprus shuts all borders amid coronavirus fearsNorthern Cyprus shuts all borders amid coronavirus fears

Tatar also noted that despite the stark fall in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country, the public shouldn't neglect to adhere precautionary measures like social distancing and wearing masks.

"These need to become a part of our everyday lives," Tatar said.

Northern Cyprus closed borders mid-March to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Turkish Cyprus reports first coronavirus deathTurkish Cyprus reports first coronavirus death

The island of Cyprus is divided between EU member state the Republic of Cyprus and the northern third controlled by the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is recognized only by Turkey.