COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 15 February

COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 15 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: Major Chinese industrial city sets up COVID-19 controls; Previous COVID-19 infection less effective against Omicron variant - study; Restrictions eased in many parts of the world.





1. How COVID-19 is affecting the globe

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have passed 413.5 million globally, according to Johns Hopkins University. The number of confirmed deaths has now passed 5.82 million. More than 10.40 billion vaccination doses have been administered globally, according to Our World in Data.

The US states of Washington DC and Maryland have both announced an easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Hong Kong, SAR, leader Carrie Lam has ruled out a citywide lockdown to tackle a surge in COVID-19 infections.

The Canadian provinces of Ontario and Alberta have announced plans to ease COVID-19 restrictions. Ontario is set to lift pandemic-related capacity limits, while Alberta has ended its mask requirements for school children.

Novavax has submitted an application to Switzerland's drugs regulator to authorize its COVID-19 vaccine in adults.

Kuwait's cabinet has lifted many COVID-19 restrictions, including a ban on