Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:
'We Have The Tools': WHO Chief
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus tells a conference in Berlin that the pandemic will end "when the world chooses to end it".
"It is in our hands. We have all the tools we need – effective public health tools and effective medical tools, but the world has not used those tools well.
"With almost 50,000 deaths a week, the pandemic is far from over."
Wuhan Marathon Postponed
The Wuhan Marathon, which had been due to take place Sunday, has been postponed at short notice as worries increase over a coronavirus resurgence in China ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. China reported 26 new domestic COVID-19 cases on Sunday, in an outbreak that has become the latest test of the country's zero-tolerance approach with just over 100 days until the start of the Games.
Authorities have been racing to contain virus infections via mass testing of residents and targeted lockdowns.
But with the rise in cases, organisers of the Wuhan Marathon said in a statement released late last week that they would postpone Sunday's event in the central Chinese city "to prevent the risk of epidemic spread".
Easter Islanders Vote On Reopening
The inhabitants of Easter Island vote on whether to relax restrictions after a year-and-a-half cut off from the rest of the world.
The vote is advisory and the health minister has not yet said if he would act on a vote to reopen the territory.
Ed Sheeran Tests Positive
English pop singer Ed Sheeran announces he is going into isolation after testing positive for the virus days ahead of the release of his new album.
Namibia Halts Use Of Sputnik
Namibia has discontinued the use of Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine following concerns raised by neighbouring South Africa, the health ministry announces. Neighbouring South Africa earlier this week said it would not approve Sputnik V due to concerns it could increase the risk of HIV infection among men, a claim the vaccine's developer says is unfounded.
The Namibian health ministry said in a statement that following South Africa's decision it was suspending, with immediate effect, use of the shots until the formula is listed for emergency use by the WHO.
More Than 4.9 Million Deaths
The coronavirus has killed at least 4,942,305 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP at 1830 GMT Sunday.
The US has suffered the most COVID-related deaths with 735,801, followed by Brazil with 605,547, India 454,269, Mexico 286,259 and Russia 230,600.
Taking into account excess mortality directly and indirectly linked to COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the overall death toll could be two to three times higher. – AFP