Coronavirus: Latest Global Developments

French anti-riot policemen charge on the Champs Elysees in Paris on 12 February, 2022 as "Convoi de la Liberte" protestors arrive in the French capital. (AFP Photo)

Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:

Police Fire Tear Gas To Stop Protest Convoy 

Paris police fire tear gas and issue hundreds of fines to break up a convoy of vehicles attempting to block traffic in a protest over COVID restrictions and rising living costs.

Canadian Police Evacuate Key Border Bridge 

Canadian police begin clearing a key bridge of truckers protesting COVID-19 restrictions, even as authorities in Ottawa brace for renewed demonstrations expected to bring thousands to the federal capital.

Anti-Restrictions Convoy In The Hague 

Police disperse a convoy of vehicles from that briefly brought The Hague's city centre to a standstill, protesting coronavirus restrictions.

Australian Protesters Rally Against Vaccines 

Thousands of protesters march through Australia's capital, Canberra, to the parliament building to denounce COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

China Greenlights Pfizer Anti-COVID Pill 

China says it has given "conditional" approval for Pfizer's COVID-19 drug Paxlovid to treat adults with mild to moderate illness and a high risk of developing severe disease.

Norway Lifts Final COVID Curbs 

Norway lifts its final COVID restrictions, scrapping social distancing and masks in crowded spaces despite a surge in Omicron infections.

Iceland's PM Tests Positive For COVID

Iceland's Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir tests positive for COVID-19 after contracting the virus from a family member, she announces on Facebook.

Over 5.8 Million Dead 

The coronavirus has killed at least 5,802,609 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources on Saturday at 1800 GMT.

The United States (US) has recorded the most COVID deaths with 918,760, followed by Brazil with 637,152, and India 507,981.

Taking into account excess mortality linked to COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the true death toll could be two to three times higher.