UPDATE - China's coronavirus poses no possible threat to Turkey

UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS

By Merve Yildizalp Ozmen

ANKARA (AA) - The coronavirus originating in Wuhan, China is not of any particular risk to Turkey, the country's Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Wednesday.

Turkish authorities will quarantine infected patients from China should they arrive in Turkey, Koca told Anadolu Agency's Editors' Desk.

The Health Ministry will hold a risk assessment meeting on the virus later today, he noted.

Turkish airline companies have no flights from Wuhan to Turkey, but Chinese airline companies have flights to Turkey thrice a week, Koca said.

"We have in particular quarantine rooms and inspection centers at the airport," he said adding: "Our team at the airports follow closely all the passengers coming from China especially those who have difficulty in coughing, breathing."

Turkey has arranged thermal cameras for screening at the airports as an added precaution, even though the World Health Organization does not consider them necessary for the country, the minister added.

The virus which causes pneumonia-like symptoms has jostled health authorities in China and other regions amid fears of a possible outbreak.

Beyond China, the virus has affected people in Taiwan, Japan and South Korea.

So far, it has claimed nine lives.