Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:
Iran Daily Cases Record
For the first time Iran's daily caseload crosses the 30,000 mark in a new daily record for the country hit by the Middle East's deadliest outbreak.
China Cases
China reports 76 new cases, the highest daily rise since January, including 40 domestic transmissions prompting authorities to test millions in eastern Jiangsu province.
Australia Cities Hope
Lockdowns are likely to be lifted in two major Australian cities this week, authorities say, as outbreaks are brought under control, though the picture is less rosy in Sydney.
Ho Chi Minh Curfew
More than 10 million residents of Vietnam's economic hub will be placed under a strict overnight curfew, an unprecedented move to curb infections as the country battles a rapid surge.
France's Vaccine Passport
France's parliament votes to make vaccine passports a key part of daily life in the battle against the virus after a compromise between lawmakers from the upper and lower houses.
Ryanair Losses
Irish no-frills airline Ryanair announces a widening of losses in its first quarter, hit by pandemic travel restrictions in Europe.
Losing Confidence
German business confidence fell in July for the first time since January, a key survey shows, dampened by bottlenecks in the supply of materials and fears of a further rise in infections.
Indonesia Loosens Curbs
Small shops, streetside restaurants and some shopping malls reopen in virus-battered Indonesia after the government loosens a shutdown despite warnings it could unleash another wave.
Malaysia's Controversial Emergency
Malaysia will not extend a controversial state of emergency beyond 1 August, a minister says, as parliament convenes after a months-long suspension and hundreds of doctors at state-run hospitals stage walkouts.
South Africa Eases Curbs
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the country has "largely" passed the peak of its third wave and eases restrictions, including a ban on alcohol sales.
Indoor Dining In Ireland
Hospitality venues reopen their doors for indoor trade in Ireland, with customers required to show a vaccine passport before they can be served.
Podium Perk
Olympic athletes receive an extra incentive for winning a medal after organisers say they can remove their masks for 30 seconds for photos on the podium.
Four Million Dead
The coronavirus has killed at least 4,163,235 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP.
The United States is the worst-affected country with 610,891 deaths, followed by Brazil with 549,924, India with 420,967, Mexico with 238,424 and Peru with 195,890 fatalities.
The WHO says up to three times the number suggested by official figures have died directly or indirectly as a result of the pandemic. – AFP