Turkey Disputes Claim About Harford Resident With Coronavirus

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — The Turkish Embassy has disputed a claim by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan that the Harford County woman who has the new coronavirus became ill after visiting Turkey.

"She's a Harford County resident who contracted the virus while traveling to Turkey," Hogan said Monday at a news conference, the day after state health officials confirmed the 86-year-old woman, who has been hospitalized, tested positive for the new coronavirus.

Said Hogan: "This appears to be the first case of COVID-19 anywhere in the world to be associated with travel to Turkey."

Turkish ambassadors said that they have looked at the travel records of the woman and contested the governor's information.

"Contrary to initial statements made by Maryland officials, Turkish border entry records have revealed that the individual in question did not visit Turkey, but flew from Tirana, Albania, to Dulles International Airport, on March 3, via a brief stopover in Istanbul Airport, where she spent her entire time in the transit lounge," the Turkish Embassy in D.C. said in a statement Tuesday, adding: "We wish her a full and speedy recovery."

The governor's office did not change its message.

"With regards to the Harford County resident who traveled to Turkey, we stand by what we have said," Mike Ricci, spokesman for the governor, said in a statement Tuesday.

The 86-year-old Harford County woman remains hospitalized, Harford County Health Officer Russell Moy said Tuesday night at the Harford County Council meeting.

Related:

• Harford Woman With New Coronavirus Traveled In Turkey: Gov. Hogan
• MD Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

The day that Hogan announced what he said was the first new coronavirus link to Turkey, there were no confirmed cases in that country.

The first case of the new coronavirus in Turkey was reported Wednesday, according to NPR. Turkey's health minister said a man contracted the illness while traveling abroad and was in quarantine after officials made an early diagnosis, stating: "The coronavirus is not stronger than the measures we will take," NPR reported.

The first case of the new coronavirus in Albania was confirmed Monday, according to the World Health Organization, which said it had been reported within the past 24 hours.