First batch of Chinese COVID-19 vaccines arrives in Turkey

The first batch of China's COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Turkey on Wednesday, while Iraq decided to ban gatherings on the New Year's Eve as the country's total coronavirus cases hit 594,442.

The first batch of 3 million doses of China's SinoVac COVID-19 vaccine arrived in the Turkish capital Ankara early Wednesday. Mass vaccination will start following 14 days of tests, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca tweeted Wednesday.

"As soon as the tests are completed, our vaccination program will take place under the coordination of the General Directorate of Public Health," he added.

Turkey on Wednesday reported 15,692 new COVID-19 cases, rising the tally to 2,194,272, including 20,642 deaths and 2,078,629 recoveries.