Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:
France Eases Restrictions
France loosens some of the restrictions imposed to curb the latest COVID-19 surge, including the need to wear face masks outdoors, as daily cases decline.
Finland To End Curbs
Crowd limits at cultural and sports events will be lifted in Finland from 14 February, the prime minister says, with most remaining coronavirus controls to end on 1 March.
Switzerland Sees Endemic Phase
Switzerland says that the pandemic phase of COVID-19 could soon be over as it ditches some restrictions and mulls lifting all remaining curbs in mid-February.
Israel Eases Vaccine Pass
Israel, one of the first nations to implement a vaccine pass, is to curtail its use in most places, the government says, despite tens of thousands of daily coronavirus infections.
Not Us, Australia Says
Australia says a warship that brought aid to Tonga after its massive volcanic eruption was not the source of a virus outbreak that has plunged the previously COVID-free Pacific kingdom into a lockdown.
Russia 'Coping With Surge'
Russia says it has no plans for large-scale restrictions to reel in surging cases despite record new infections for 13 days running. "The healthcare system is coping," says Anna Popova, head of Russia's federal health regulator.
Over 5.6 Million Dead
Coronavirus has killed at least 5,686,108 million people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources on Wednesday.
The United States has recorded the most COVID deaths with 890,770, followed by Brazil with 628,067 and India on 497,975.
Taking into account excess mortality linked to COVID-19, the WHO estimates the overall death toll could be two to three times higher.