Outbreak Diaries in Turkey
According to latest reports, Turkey recorded 33,198 new coronavirus infections on 08 December 2020, the highest daily number in Europe. Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic more than 18.861 people have died in Turkey, including 211 health workers, who take care of coronavirus patients, according to Turkey Medical Association. Turkish government in November 2020 has signed a contract to buy 50 million doses of Chinese manufacturer Sinovac coronavirus vaccine ‘CoronaVac’, to be delivered in batches between December 2020 and February 2021. Turkey is also in talks to increase the amount of coronavirus vaccines from Pfizer and BioNTech companies, from initial one million doses. Healthcare workers, people aged 65 and above, disabled people, people who stay in shelters and those living in crowded places will be vaccinated in the first stage, Turkish Health Ministry said.