Latest global developments on COVID-19 crisis

A protester stands atop a vehicle as cars parade during their “Convoi de la liberte” (The Freedom Convoy), a vehicular convoy to protest coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine and restrictions in Paris, France, February 12, 2022. REUTERS

PARIS — Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:

Police fire tear gas to stop protest convoy

Paris police fire teargas and issue hundreds of fines to break up a convoy of vehicles attempting to block traffic in a protest over Covid restrictions and rising living costs.

People erect a tent as truck drivers and supporters continue to block access to the Ambassador Bridge, which links Detroit and Windsor, in protest against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine mandates, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada February 10, 2022. REUTERS FILE PHOTO

Canadian police evacuate key border bridge

Canadian police begin clearing a key bridge of truckers protesting Covid-19 restrictions, even as authorities in Ottawa brace for renewed demonstrations expected to bring thousands to the federal capital.

Hong Kong is overwhelmed

Hong Kong reported a record number of new daily infections and China said it would fully support the city with its “dynamic zero” coronavirus strategy, as local authorities struggle to control a deepening outbreak.

The police disperses protesters gathering against the corona measures at the Binnenhof in The Hague, the Netherlands on February 12, 2022. AFP

Anti-restrictions convoy in The Hague

Police disperse a convoy of vehicles from that briefly brought The Hague’s city center to a standstill, protesting coronavirus restrictions.

Australian protesters rally against vaccines

Thousands of protesters march through Australia’s capital, Canberra, to the parliament building to denounce Covid-19 vaccine mandates.

Cook Islands braces for community transmission

Cook Islands, a small South Pacific nation that has not experienced COVID-19 in its community, is readying for its first coronavirus infections after an infected traveler visited, Prime minister Mark Brown said on Sunday.

Phu Quoc resort island is seen via the window of an airplane after the Vietnamese government eased the lockdown following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam May 8, 2020. Picture taken May 8, 2020. REUTERS FILE PHOTO

Vietnam to lift coronavirus restrictions on flights

Vietnam will lift coronavirus restrictions on international flights for fully vaccinated passengers from Tuesday, the country’s aviation authority said in a statement.

The communist nation has virtually closed itself to the world since March 2020 due to the pandemic, dealing a severe blow to its vital tourism sector.

Commuters walk on a zebra crossing during snowfall, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in central Seoul, South Korea, January 17, 2022. | PHOTO: REUTERS FILE PHOTO

South Korea reports over 50,000 cases for fifth-day running

South Korea’s daily COVID-19 cases exceeded 50,000 for the fifth day in a row Monday as health authorities brace for a further spike amid the fast spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant across the nation.

India quarantine-free entry for the fully-vaccinated

India will allow “quarantine-free” entry to fully-vaccinated passengers from 82 countries, including Bangladesh and Nepal, in a major move to ease curbs on inbound international travelers in the face of a declining number of Covid-19 cases powered by the Omicron variant.

Japan to ease border control measures

Coronavirus-related border control measures for nonresident foreigners may be eased in March, starting with businesspeople and students, according to government sources.

China greenlights Pfizer anti-Covid pill

China says it has given “conditional” approval for Pfizer’s Covid-19 drug Paxlovid to treat adults with mild to moderate illness and a high risk of developing severe disease.

READ: China mulls mixing vaccines to improve efficacy of jabs

People walk along a pedestrian zone in Oslo on February 2, 2022 as the gastronomy reopens for guests. – Norway on February 1 announced it would scrap most of its Covid restrictions despite an Omicron-fuelled surge in infections, saying society must “live with” the virus. AFP FILE PHOTO

Norway lifts final Covid curbs

Norway lifts its final Covid restrictions, scrapping social distancing and masks in crowded spaces despite a surge in Omicron infections.

Iceland’s PM tests positive for Covid

Iceland’s Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir tests positive for Covid-19 after contracting the virus from a family member, she announces on Facebook.

READ: Denmark, Iceland report record COVID-19 cases as Omicron surges

Turkish president now negative for Covid

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who has been isolating since Saturday after contracting the coronavirus, has tested negative, state-owned Anadolu news agency cited his doctor as saying.

Over 5.8 million dead

Coronavirus has killed at least 5,802,609 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources on Saturday at 1800 GMT.

READ: World’s COVID-19 death toll hits 5.7 million

The US has recorded the most Covid deaths with 918,760, followed by Brazil with 637,152, and India 507,981.

Taking into account excess mortality linked to Covid-19, the WHO estimates the true death toll could be two to three times higher.