Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:
Don't Travel, Says WHO
Progress against the pandemic remains "fragile" and international travel should be avoided, warns the World Health Organization's (WHO) Europe director Hans Kluge.
But he adds that all the vaccines authorised by the WHO are effective against the "COVID-19 virus variants that have emerged so far".
EU Health Pass
The European Parliament and European Union (EU) member states reach a deal paving the way for a COVID-19 "green certificate" that will help open up travel in Europe for the key summer season.
'Black Fungus' Epidemic
States across India order emergency measures to counter a surge in the rare deadly "black fungus" infection among coronavirus sufferers.
France Widens Jab Rollout
All adults in France will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations starting 31 May, two weeks earlier than initially planned, Prime Minister Jean Castex announced.
Lockdown Challenge Fails
The European Court of Human Rights throws out as inadmissible a claim by a member of the European parliament that imposing a COVID-19 lockdown was comparable to house arrest.
AstraZeneca, J&J For Volunteers
Denmark, the first European country to discontinue the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines, makes both shots available to volunteers.
Moderna, AstraZeneca For Japan?
A Japanese government panel recommends approval of Moderna and AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccines, as criticism mounts over the slow start to inoculations with just two months until the Olympics.
CAR Vaccinates
The Central African Republic begins its vaccine rollout with doses of AstraZeneca from the COVAX programme for poorer countries. Cases have shot up since the start of the year.
Sweden Tops EU Cases
For the first time this year, Sweden's incidence rate of coronavirus cases has topped European Union (EU) figures, at 577 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control says. But associated deaths are among the lowest.
Italian Package
Italy's government approves a 40-billion-euro support package for its struggling economy, devastated by the pandemic. It includes 100 million for the ailing Alitalia airline.
Back To HQ At IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says it will gradually shift back to having staff work in-person at its Washington headquarters from 1 June as the United States (US) brings its COVID-19 outbreak under control.
Eiffel Tower To Reopen
The Eiffel Tower will reopen on 16 July after several months of closure due to the pandemic.
Armani Live Fashion Shows
More than a year after switching to virtual shows, Italian fashion house Armani announces the return of live audiences, starting with its Spring/Summer Men's collection next month.
3.4 Million Dead
The pandemic has killed at least 3,419,488 people worldwide since the virus first emerged in late 2019, according to an AFP compilation of official data.
The United States (US) is the worst-affected country with 587,874 deaths, followed by Brazil with 441,691, India with 287,122, Mexico with 220,850 and Britain with 127,694. – AFP