Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:
US Ends Indoor Masks
Most Americans will no longer have to wear masks in indoor public spaces, including school children, after the United States' (US) top health agency drastically revised its guidelines.
New Delhi Back To Normal...
India's capital ends all remaining restrictions after government data shows Omicron variant cases have fallen.
...Manila Almost Too
The Philippines will lift most restrictions in the capital Manila next month after a sharp drop in infections and rising vaccinations.
Dutch Paint Towns Orange
Beer flows as Dutch revellers celebrate their traditional carnivals just as the Netherlands axes most COVID restrictions. "COVID is over, now it's time to party," says Senna Godefroy, 26, dressed in a yellow and fluorescent orange jumpsuit.
Nearly Six Million Dead
The coronavirus has killed at least 5,941,236 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources Sunday.
The COVID-19 pandemic continued its strong retreat this week around the world, except in Asia where the number of cases increased by a fifth.
The US has recorded the most COVID deaths with 948,215, followed by Brazil on 648,913 and India with 513,724.
Taking into account excess mortality linked to COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the true death toll could be two to three times higher.