Anadolu Agency’s Morning Briefing – December 16, 2020
Daily briefing on novel coronavirus pandemic worldwide, Turkey, other developments
ANKARA
Anadolu Agency is here with a rundown of the latest developments on the coronavirus pandemic and other news in Turkey and around the world.
Coronavirus and other developments in Turkey
Classified in the very high human development category for the second time in a row, Turkey climbed up five places and ranked 54th among 189 countries and territories last year.
Turkish security forces on Tuesday arrested at least 11 people with suspected links to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), the group behind the defeated coup attempt in 2016, according to a security source.
A 1,700-year-old statue of Cybele, regarded as the symbol and protector of fertility and abundance in pre-historic times, began to be displayed in an Istanbul museum Tuesday.
Turkey’s president received credentials from the envoys of five countries Tuesday.
More than 21 kilograms (46 pounds) of heroin and 9 kg (19 pounds) of methamphetamine were seized and at least 31 people detained for alleged drug-related crimes, Turkish authorities said Tuesday.
COVID-19 updates worldwide
Jordan and Algeria announced more coronavirus fatalities early Tuesday as they continued efforts to contain the disease.
Coronavirus deaths in South Korea hit a new single-day record Tuesday, the latest data showed.
Saudi Arabia on Tuesday began registering citizens and residents for free COVID-19 vaccines, the Health Ministry said.
Iran confirmed 223 more coronavirus-related fatalities Tuesday, raising the nationwide death toll to 52,670, according to the country's Health Ministry.
The Burundian government on Tuesday started a measles vaccination campaign for children, the health minister announced.
Kenya has joined other countries in the race to secure COVID-19 vaccines and has ordered 24 million doses from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, local media reported Tuesday.
Germany could begin COVID-19 vaccination before the end of this month if the European regulators approve BioNTech and Pfizer’s vaccine next week, the country’s health minister said Tuesday.
Announcing new measures to stem the spread of COVID-19, South Africa’s president also said 391 public healthcare workers in the country have died from the virus.
Nigeria's Chief Justice Tanko Muhammad has tested positive for COVID-19, local media reported Tuesday.
Algeria on Tuesday announced the reopening of universities for the new academic year after a nine-month hiatus due to the coronavirus, according to state-run TV.
Tunisian Prime Minister Hicham Mechichi on Tuesday canceled his visit to Italy after one of his ministers tested positive for the coronavirus.
Italy on Tuesday reported 846 new coronavirus-related deaths, up from 491 a day before, as the country remains the one with the highest death toll in Europe.
One in every 10 people in Spain caught the novel coronavirus by December, according to a new government-led study released Tuesday.
Spain registered another unsettling increase in coronavirus cases and deaths Tuesday, with 10,328 new infections and 388 fatalities.
Other developments
Russian leader Vladimir Putin congratulated US President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday for his recent election victory.
The deputy governor of Afghanistan's capital Kabul, along with his secretary, were killed in a targeted magnetic bomb attack Tuesday, Afghan authorities confirmed.
Pakistan's President Arif Alvi on Tuesday approved the country's new anti-rape law, which will ensure speedy trials and allow for chemical castration of convicted offenders.
Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Tuesday recognized US President-elect Joe Biden's election victory.
