COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 8 January

COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 8 January

This daily 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 stories: Japan declares limited state of emergency; WHO calls for more equitable vaccine rollout; Singapore PM gets vaccine.





1. How COVID-19 is affecting the globe

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have now passed 88 million globally, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The number of confirmed deaths stands at more than 1.89 million.

Arrivals in England will need to present a negative COVID-19 test result upon entry to the country. The test will need to have been administered no more than 72 hours beforehand.

Travellers to Australia will also need to show a negative test - before boarding their planes, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said today. It comes as Brisbane goes into a short lockdown after the discovery of a case of a new COVID-19 variant.

Asian stocks have hit record highs and Japan's Nikkei hit a three-decade peak on hopes of an economic recovery later in the year.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has received his first shot of a COVID-19 vaccine, urging others