Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:
Scholz Declines Kremlin Test
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz refuses a Kremlin COVID test on a visit to Moscow just like French leader Emmanuel Macron, opting instead for a swab from one of Berlin's own doctors.
No Hard Lockdown For Hong Kong
Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam says said she would not impose a mainland China-style hard lockdown as the city faces its worst virus wave to date.
Omicron Tidal Wave To Hit Eastern Europe
The World Health Organization (WHO) calls for increased vaccination efforts in Eastern Europe, warning that an Omicron "tidal wave" was heading eastwards.
Djokovic: 'I'm Not Anti-Vax'
Tennis world number one Novak Djokovic says he is not anti-vaccination but would rather skip Grand Slams than be forced to get a jab. The Serb was deported from Australia on the eve of last month's Australian Open.
Japan Economy Up Before Omicron
Japan's economy rebounded in the last part of 2021, as virus restrictions were eased before the Omicron wave hit the country, new data shows.
Mask Sales Set To Fall
After seeing sales of medical masks soar during the pandemic, United States (US) manufacturer 3M warns demand is expected to slow sharply this year.
Risk Passes For Philippines
The Philippines is now at "low risk" from the pandemic as more people get vaccinated and hospital admissions drop, the government says.
PNG Opens Up...
Papua New Guinea is to reopen to vaccinated travellers from Wednesday, ending two years of strict border closures that virtually sealed off the Melanesian nation.
...As Does Mongolia
Mongolia opens its borders to fully vaccinated international travellers, rolling back curbs that have kept the country isolated for almost the same time.
Over 5.8 Million Dead
The coronavirus has killed at least 5,823,938 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources at 1100 GMT Tuesday.
The US has recorded the most COVID deaths with 922,473, followed by Brazil with 638,835, and India 509,358.
Taking into account excess mortality linked to COVID-19, the WHO estimates the true death toll could be two to three times higher.