Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:
Russia Deaths Rocket
Moscow reports more than 900 daily deaths for the first time, as the country struggles with high infections driven by the Delta variant and low vaccination rates.
Moderna 'Not For Teens'
Sweden's Public Health Agency recommends a temporary halt to the use of the Moderna vaccine for young adults, citing concerns over rare heart side effects. Neighbouring Norway and Denmark have also stopped using it for under-18s.
UAE Declares Victory
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) – which has the world's most advanced vaccination drive – says it has overcome the COVID crisis, recording its lowest number of infections since summer last year.
'Not Out Of The Woods'
The World Health Organization's (WHO) COVID-19 chief warns that "we're not out of the woods", even if many people think the pandemic is nearly over.
Football Stars Not Vaccinated
England's Premier League admits that only seven of its 20 clubs have squads that are more than 50 percent fully vaccinated even though they are now playing in front of full stadiums.
Irish Refusenik
Ireland striker Callum Robinson sparks fury after revealing he has not been vaccinated despite contracting the virus twice. The West Bromwich Albion player insists he has the right to choose what he does with his body.
'Pay For Your Own Tests'
Bundesliga club Hertha Berlin orders players and backroom staff who refuse to be vaccinated to pay for their own tests. The German side tests its personnel six times a week.
Anti-Vaxxer Side-lined
Brooklyn Nets basketball star Kyrie Irving, who has also refused a jab, had to miss his team's training in New York because of the city's strict COVID rules.
Markets Fret
Asian and European markets fall over ongoing worries about rising inflation, tighter monetary policy, a possible US debt default and the Delta variant.
Tourism Giant Fundraising
German tourism giant TUI, which has been battered by the pandemic, hopes to raise over one billion euros selling stock to shareholders to pay off debt following virus bailout.
4.8 Million Dead
The coronavirus has killed at least 4,813,581 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 705,284 deaths, followed by Brazil with 598,829, India with 449,538, Mexico 279,896 and Russia with 212,625.
Based on latest reports, the countries with the most new deaths were the US with 1,845, followed by Russia with 929 and Mexico with 790. – AFP