Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:
Police Probe Partygate
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson vows to cooperate with police on any formal probe into coronavirus lockdown-breaking parties at Downing Street, which has deepened the threat to his position.
IMF Slashes Growth Estimate
The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is creating an obstacle course for the global economy, which will slow growth this year, notably in the world's two largest economies the United States (US) and China, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says.
Omicron Vaccine?
Pfizer and BioNTech say they have begun enrolment for a clinical trial to test the safety and immune response of their Omicron-specific COVID-19 vaccine in adults aged up to 55.
COVID Fraud
South African investigators have referred 940 cases of corruption and malfeasance involving millions of dollars of COVID funds for prosecution and disciplinary action, President Cyril Ramaphosa says.
Bolsonaro Guru Dies
Olavo de Carvalho, who was considered a guru to President Jair Bolsonaro and like the far-right leader sceptical of the danger of the coronavirus, dies in the US after contracting the virus.
Royal Mail Axes Jobs
British postal operator Royal Mail announces plans to cut 700 management jobs to slash costs, as it reveals that thousands of staff are off work with COVID.
WHO Chief To Get Second Term
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is set to serve a second term as head of the World Health Organization (WHO) after shepherding the institution through the first two years of the pandemic.
Elton John Positive
Pop megastar Elton John postpones two concerts in Dallas – part of what is expected to be a lengthy farewell tour – after testing positive for COVID-19.
Neil Young On 'Fake' Vaccine News
US singer-song-writer Neil Young demands in an open letter to Spotify to remove his music from the platform he says is spreading vaccine disinformation via the popular podcaster Joe Rogan.
5.6 Million Dead
The coronavirus has killed at least 5,602,767 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources on Tuesday.
The US has recorded the most COVID deaths with 868,512, followed by Brazil with 623,356, India on 490,462 and Russia 327,448.
Taking into account excess mortality linked to COVID-19, the WHO estimates the overall death toll could be two to three times higher.