COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 18 February

COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 18 February

This daily news round-up brings you a selection of the latest news and updates on the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, as well as tips and tools to help you stay informed and protected.

Top news stories: WHO announces first six African countries to receive mRNA technology; new US FDA chief vows to tackle misinformation; Hong Kong SAR, China, battles growing outbreak.



1. How COVID-19 is affecting the globe

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have passed 419.9 million globally, according to Johns Hopkins University. The number of confirmed deaths has now passed 5.86 million. More than 10.42 billion vaccination doses have been administered globally, according to Our World in Data.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday that six African countries – Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia – would be the first on the continent to receive the technology needed to produce mRNA vaccines. The technology transfer project, launched last year, aims to help low- and middle-income countries manufacture mRNA vaccines at scale and according to international standards.

Western Australia, the mining-heavy state that has held firm on strict border controls for two years, said it will reopen to triple-vaccinated visitors after deciding it can cope with the Omicron