Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:
Hong Kong's Health System Buckles
Hong Kong's hospitals buckle under an Omicron-fuelled wave with patients shivering on gurneys outside overflowing wards.
No Olympic Infections
Beijing Olympics organisers say there were no new COVID cases in the Games' "closed-loop" bubble for the first time, hailing the success of China's strict approach.
'World Better Prepared'
The world is becoming "better prepared" to deal with future variants of the virus, the CEO and co-founder of German vaccine-maker BioNTech tells AFP, as the company works on an Omicron-specific shot.
Japan Eases Strict Border Bar
Japan will ease its strict virus border rules to allow students and businesspeople into the country from March, but tourists will still be barred.
Portugal To Lift Most COVID Rules
Portugal will no longer require people to present a health pass when going to restaurants and hotels, the government says, without providing a fixed date. Proof of vaccination is still necessary to enter the country.
Swiss President Tests Positive
On the day Switzerland lifts almost all remaining coronavirus restrictions, the government announces President Ignazio Cassis has tested positive.
COVID-19 Pill
A South Africa regulator says it has approved the use of Merck's COVID-19 pill for high-risk adults.
US Jabs For Egypt, Nigeria
The United States ships nearly 5.2 million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to Egypt and Nigeria, a White House official tells AFP.
Djokovic Ready For Dubai Comeback
Tennis world number one Novak Djokovic prepares for his comeback in Dubai, after a coronavirus vaccine row kept the Serb from defending his Australian Open title.
Aussie Tennis Star Probed
Australian tennis player Alex de Minaur hits back at allegations he is being investigated over the purchase of false COVID passes, insisting: "I have a completely valid, accurate and true vaccination record."
Canadian Police Deploy
Canadian police mass in the capital, readying to clear a trucker-led anti-COVID curb protest that has choked Ottawa's streets and provoked the government to call on rarely-used emergency powers.
Israel To End Green Pass
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announces the requirement to show proof of coronavirus vaccination to enter various sites will soon end, as the wave of infections wanes.
Over 5.8 Million Dead
The coronavirus has killed at least 5,848,104 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources Thursday at 1100 GMT.
The US has recorded the most COVID deaths with 928,519, followed by Brazil with 640,774, and India 510,413.
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.