Ivorian defense minister tests positive for COVID-19

By Felix Tih

ANKARA (AA) - Ivory Coast's Defense Minister Hamed Bakayoko said he has tested positive for coronavirus.

''This is an opportunity for me to remind all of our fellow citizens that coronavirus is a real disease that is spreading quickly,'' Bakayoko tweeted late Monday.

He also called on Ivorians to observe all protective measures.

''Take care of yourself,'' Bakayoko said.

The West African nation has 323 confirmed COVID-19 cases so far, with three deaths and 41 recoveries.

Since originating in Wuhan, China last December, the virus has spread to at least 184 countries and regions, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

Nearly 1.35 million cases have been reported worldwide, with the global death toll over 74,800, and more than 285,000 recoveries.