Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:
COVID Cases Top 300 Million
The total number of COVID-19 cases registered worldwide since the start of the pandemic tops 300 million, according to an AFP count based on official figures.
Omicron Still Serious: WHO
The Omicron variant is killing people across the globe and should not be dismissed as mild, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns, even if it is less severe for the vaccinated.
"Omicron is hospitalising people and it is killing people," insists WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Hong Kong Party
Dozens of senior Hong Kong officials and lawmakers are ordered into quarantine after health officials discover a second preliminary coronavirus case at a birthday party attended by many of the city's political elite.
100,000 Children Lose Parents
The virus has killed at least one parent or primary caregiver for nearly 100,000 children in Peru, the country with the world's highest death rate, its government says.
Austrian Chancellor Positive
Austria's head of government Karl Nehammer tested positive for COVID-19, the chancellery announces, saying the fully vaccinated leader has not experienced any symptoms.
Periods Delayed
Women vaccinated against the virus saw a slight delay in their period of almost a day compared to those who were unvaccinated, a United States (US) government-funded study finds.
Britain Drafts In Troops
Britain is to deploy troops to hospitals in London to alleviate severe staff shortages caused by the Omicron outbreak.
Supreme Court Battle
The US Supreme Court is to hear challenges to President Joe Biden's bid to impose vaccination mandates on millions of American workers.
Djokovic Compared To Jesus
The father of tennis world number one Novak Djokovic compares his son to Jesus Christ after he wins a temporary reprieve from his deportation from Australia where the vaccine-sceptic Serb failed to meet stringent pandemic entry requirements.
"Jesus was crucified and endured many things," he said. "Novak is also crucified... the best sportsman and man in the world. He will endure." Djokovic thanked people "around the world" for their support since he was dramatically refused entry to Australia over his COVID-19 vaccine status.
France Would Allow Him In
Djokovic would be granted entry to France for the French Open in June even if he was unvaccinated, its sports minister says under special "health bubble" arrangements.
Vietnam Border Jam
Thousands of trucks carrying fruit are stuck at Vietnam's main freight border crossing with China after Beijing tightened rules on imported goods because of the pandemic.
Germany Limits Access To Bars, Restaurants
Germany will limit access to bars and restaurants to people who are fully vaccinated or recovered and can also provide a negative test, Chancellor Olaf Scholz says.
India Festival
An Indian court rejected a bid to cancel a major Hindu festival, the annual Gangasagar Mela, despite fears the vast gathering could spread coronavirus infections.
More Than 5.4 Million Dead
The coronavirus has killed at least 5,470,916 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources on Friday.
The US has recorded the most COVID deaths with 833,989, followed by Brazil with 619,641, India 483,178 and Russia 314,604.
Taking into account excess mortality linked to COVID-19, the WHO estimates the overall death toll could be two to three times higher.