COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 16 February

COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 16 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: China's president urges Hong Kong SAR leaders to control outbreak; US Treasury Secretary seeks G20 help in ending pandemic in developing world; study says vaccinating pregnant women protects babies against COVID-19.



1. How COVID-19 is affecting the globe

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have passed 415.7 million globally, according to Johns Hopkins University. The number of confirmed deaths has now passed 5.83 million. More than 10.42 billion vaccination doses have been administered globally, according to Our World in Data.

China's President Xi Jinping has told the leaders of Hong Kong SAR that their “overriding mission” is to stabilise and control a worsening COVID-19 outbreak, media reported on Wednesday as a fast-rising wave of infections overwhelmed authorities.

South Korea's daily count of new coronavirus cases has exceeded 90,000 for the first time. The 90,443 cases reported for Tuesday represent a surge from the 57,177 recorded a day earlier.

Singapore will expand its quarantine-free travel programme to Hong Kong SAR, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab