Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:
Britain's Record Spike
Britain records 78,610 laboratory-confirmed cases in one day, the highest daily total since the pandemic began as the country is hit hard by the Omicron variant.
South Africa Too
South Africa - where the strain was first spotted - also reports its highest number of new cases ever in a single day.
800,000 Americans Dead
The United States passes the grim landmark of 800,000 dead - the highest toll in the world - and more than the entire population of several states, including Alaska and North Dakota.
Omicron 'Dominant' By January
European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen warns the Omicron variant could become dominant in Europe by mid-January, but the bloc admits that vaccination alone won't stop the spread of the strain.
Push To Jab Children
Several European nations, including Germany, Spain and Greece, start vaccinating children aged five to 11 in an effort to contain a raging pandemic and keep schools open.
Germany's Violent Anti-Vaxxers
Chancellor Olaf Scholz says Germany will "defend itself" against a violent minority of anti-vaccine militants after weapons are seized in a series of raids after threats to officials.
Outcry Over Polish Slogan
Polish far-right MPs are condemned after using a slogan referencing the sign above the entrance to the Nazi Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp during an anti-vaccination rally.
Johnson Rebellion
Nearly 100 MPs from British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's party break ranks and vote against new virus restrictions in the biggest revolt of his premiership.
Italy Tightens Border
Italy will tighten restrictions for arrivals from the rest of the EU from Thursday, requiring tests for everyone and a five-day quarantine for the unvaccinated.
J&J Booster OK
The European Medicines Agency says Johnson & Johnson's vaccine can be used as a booster shot two months after the first dose was administered, or after receiving other mRNA shots.
Bethlehem Christmas Nixed
The variant sparks a wave of Christmas hotel cancellations in the Palestinian town where Jesus was born, scuppering hopes of a return of Christian pilgrims to the West Bank.
Klopp's Jab Plea
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says getting vaccinated is about "solidarity, loyalty and togetherness" as he reveals his whole English Premier League squad has had at least two jabs.
Match Cancelled
Burnley's Premier League clash with Watford is called off less than three hours before kick-off because of an outbreak within the Hornets' squad.
Rwanda Shuts Clubs
Rwanda shuts nightclubs and extends quarantines for international arrivals as it detects its first six cases of the Omicron variant.
Over 5.3 Million Dead
The coronavirus has killed at least 5,320,431 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP Wednesday at 1100 GMT.
The US had the highest number of deaths with 800,473, followed by Brazil with 616,970, India with 476,135 and Mexico with 296,984.
The countries with the biggest increases in death rates over the last week are Switzerland (up 78 percent), Peru and Spain (up 65 percent) and Ireland (up 47 percent).
Taking into account excess linked to COVID-19, the WHO estimates the overall death toll could be two to three times higher.