Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis.
Putin Self-Isolates
Russian President Vladimir Putin says he is counting on the homegrown Sputnik V jab to protect him as he self-isolates after cases are detected in his inner circle.
Russia is struggling with stubbornly high infection rates and vaccine scepticism.
New Outbreak In China
Southern Chinese cities close schools and order the testing of millions after a new outbreak which has sparked concerns over unvaccinated schoolchildren.
WHO Warns Philippines
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns the Philippines that its plan to ease restrictions from Thursday in the capital Manila despite record infections risks overwhelming its health system.
Mauritius Risks It Too
The Indian Ocean island is to open up to tourists in three weeks even as a virus surge has left hospitals overwhelmed and no space in its main cemetery.
Canberra's Long Lockdown
Australian authorities extend a lockdown of the nation's capital for a month, saying the measure is necessary until vaccinations are ramped up.
UK Youngsters To Get Jabs
All children in Britain aged 12 to 15 will be offered vaccinations on the advice of four top medical chiefs.
Anti-Vax Coach Fired
The assistant coach of the United States (US) ice hockey team Columbus Blue Jackets is fired after refusing to be vaccinated.
Sierra Leone Ends Curfew
The West African nation lifts a nationwide curfew as infections drop.
Over 4.6 Million Dead
The coronavirus has killed at least 4,636,530 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to an AFP compilation of official data.
The US is the worst-affected country with 662,131 deaths, followed by Brazil with 587,066, India with 443,213, Mexico 267,969 and Peru 198,799.
Based on latest reports, the countries with the most new deaths were the US with 1,554, followed by Russia with 781 and Malaysia with 413. – AFP