Turkey's world-famous TV drama industry rocked by actor's death from coronavirus complications

A Turkish actor died of the novel coronavirus and another was hospitalised over a possible COVID-19 diagnosis, The New Arab's sister site Arabi21 reported on Wednesday.

Turhan Kaya, 69, an actor on the famous Turkish television drama Valley of the Wolves, died in an intensive care unit after being hospitalised over a week ago due to an acute cough.

Kaya's son confirmed his father died of COVID-19, though the late actor's family believes he contracted the virus in the hospital.  

Arabi21 also reported actor Kivanc Tatlitug was hospitalised after exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms despite having self-isolated at home with his wife for over two weeks.

Tatlitug is well-known in the Arab world after starring in TV drama "Gumus" (dubbed "Noor" in Arabic).

The actor said he was discharged after he tested negative for COVID-19.

As of Thursday, Turkey reported 15,679 COVID-19 cases and 277 deaths.

Last week, a dozen areas across Turkey were placed under quarantine as part of the country's measures to fight its outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

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