UPDATE - Turkish politician dies due to coronavirus

UPDATE WITH CONDOLENCES FROM TURKISH PRESIDENT

By Tugba Yardimci

TRABZON, Turkey (AA) - A Turkish politician lost his life on Tuesday after contracting the novel coronavirus. He was 73.

Haydar Bas, leader of the Independent Turkey Party (BTP), was in intensive care in a state hospital in the Black Sea province of Trabzon.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered condolences to Bas’ family.

"I am deeply saddened by the death of Independent Turkey Party leader Haydar Bas, who died due to COVID-19,” Erdogan said on Twitter.

“I offer condolences to his family and supporters, I wish God's Mercy on all citizens who died due to the same disease," he added.

On Monday, Turkey confirmed 98 new deaths from coronavirus, bringing the country's death toll to 1,296. The total number of registered coronavirus cases surged to 61,049.

After originating in Wuhan, China last December, the virus, officially known as COVID-19, has spread to at least 185 countries and regions across the world, with its epicenter shifting to Europe.

The virus has infected nearly 1.93 million people worldwide, while more than 120,400 have died and close to 462,000 have recovered from the disease, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

*Writing and contribution by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur