Anadolu Agency's Morning Briefing - Sept. 7, 2021

By Dilara Hamit

ANKARA (AA) - 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

Turkey has administered more than 98.06 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines since launching a mass immunization campaign in January, according to official figures released Monday.

Over 49.98 million people have gotten their first vaccine dose, while more than 38.66 million are fully vaccinated, the Health Ministry said.

The data showed that 80.47% of the country's adult population has received at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine. Turkey has also given third booster shots to over 9.02 million people.

The ministry also reported 20,962 new coronavirus cases while 271 more people died from the disease in the past 24 hours.

Students in Turkey returned to classes Monday for the new term with strict coronavirus measures introduced.

Officials of Turkey and Switzerland will hold bilateral political consultations in the Turkish capital Ankara on Tuesday.

The Taliban said Monday that their officials held discussions on the situation in Afghanistan with Turkey’s ambassador to the country.

- COVID-19 updates worldwide

South Korea extended its COVID-19 restrictions for another month ahead of a major national holiday.

Zambia on Monday received an additional 129,600 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as it edges closer to controlling and eradicating the COVID-19 pandemic.

- Other global developments

Al-Saadi Gaddafi, a son of Libya's ousted leader Muammar Gaddafi, has been released from prison in the capital Tripoli.

The Taliban said Monday they have taken control of Afghanistan's Panjshir province, the only province the group had not seized during its sweep last month.

Oil prices fell after OPEC's de facto leader Saudi Arabia slashed crude oil prices to its Asian customers, fueling demand worries.

Pakistan welcomed a statement by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on their desire to join the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Six Palestinian prisoners escaped from Israel's northern Gilboa Prison early Monday, Israeli media reported.