Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:
Dutch Christmas Shutdown
The Netherlands will go into "lockdown" over the Christmas period to try to stop a surge of the Omicron coronavirus variant, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announces.
'Major Incident' In London
London mayor Sadiq Khan declares a "major incident" in the British capital owing to the spread of the Omicron variant, with a record 26,418 cases reported in the last 24 hours - the highest number since the start of the pandemic.
German Border Demand
Germany's regions call on the federal government to tighten restrictions on entry into the country, in particular on Britain, to counter Omicron.
Young Portuguese Jabbed
Portugal, which has one of the highest levels of vaccination in the world, announces the start of a campaign targeting five to 11-year-olds, using the Pfizer vaccine.
Paris Cancels Fireworks
As France's health officials report more admissions to intensive care units, Paris says it is calling off its New Year fireworks and all events on the Champs Elysees.
French Protests
Demonstrators rally against France's health pass for the 23rd consecutive weekend, with 25,500 people at 131 demonstrations, the interior ministry says - 17 percent up on the previous week.
US Jab Mandate Restored
A US federal appeals court reinstates a Biden administration mandate that large companies require COVID-19 vaccines or regular testing for their employees, reversing a November court ruling.
Over 5.3 Million Dead
The coronavirus has killed at least 5,345,524 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP.
The US has suffered the most COVID-related deaths with 806,652, followed by Brazil with 617,601, India with 477,158 and Mexico with 297,568.
Taking into account excess mortality linked to COVID-19, the WHO estimates the overall death toll could be two to three times higher.