The health department of India's southern state Maharashtra has raised an alert over coronavirus (COVID-19) cases that may increase after the detection of new variants like BA.

COVID-19: Multiple variants dominate the world. What will happen next?

The World Health Organization's Director General, Tedros Adhanom, hailed the lowest global weekly death toll since March 2020, with "just over 15,000 deaths" reported to the United Nations' health body.

WHO chief Tedros hails lowest COVID-19 weekly death toll since pandemic began

The Indian Govt plans to vaccinate more than 270 million people in the 2nd phase of the inoculation drive. The nation of more than 1.3 billion is undertaking what may be the world’s largest vaccination push.

India: Govt plans to vaccinate 270 mn people in phase 2

The outgoing US President Donald Trump has once again accused the states and the top US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci of exaggerating the coronavirus cases and death tally in the country.

'When in doubt, call it Covid': Trump accuses 'exaggeration' of tally; Fauci reacts

As the UK and Russia announced mass vaccination, the United States recorded 2,700 deaths in 24 hours which is the highest since April, according to Johns Hopkins COVID-19 live tracker.

US coronavirus daily death toll highest since April; CDC urges citizens not to travel during Christmas

The lockdown is aimed at tamping down a surge in Covid-19 infections and preventing hospitals from being overwhelmed with cases.

COVID-19: Four Italian regions, including Milan, under lockdown

The overall number of global coronavirus cases has surpassed the 18 million mark, while the deaths were nearing 688,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

Global COVID-19 cases surpass 18 million mark; Pandemic widespread in U.S

Australia’s Victoria state tightened restrictions and declared a state of disaster after its outbreak showed no signs of abating three weeks after capital Melbourne was put under lockdown.

Australia imposes curfew in Victoria state

Since the pandemic began, people with underlying cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, or heart failure have been known to be at higher risk for infection and death.

COVID-19 infections leave an impact on the heart: Study

Across the globe, many governments are easing restrictions as they face political and economic challenges triggered by the pandemic. So far, the disease has killed at least 535,000 people worldwide and infected more than 11.4 million.

How the world is battling Coronavirus? COVID-19 | Global death toll | Columbia

India is among a group of 15 high-risk countries where lifting lockdown and relaxing restrictions can lead to a spike in new infections, according to an analysis by securities research firm Nomura.

Lockdown restrictions averted over 530 million COVID-19 cases: Study

Brazil is now one of the hotspots of the pandemic, with the second highest number of confirmed cases, behind only the United States, and a death toll that last week surpassed Italy's.

WHO Director General urges world not to let up on COVID-19 battle

The Wuhan Coronavirus has killed more than 1,00,000 people in the US alone. India is now reporting more than 1,58,000 confirmed cases.

Gravitas: Coronavirus outbreak: More than 1,00,000 dead in America

Countries around the world have eased lockdown restrictions. Gyms, pools, bars, tourist sites have been reopened. Social distancing seems to be the mantra of the post-lockdown world.

Gravitas: Living with a virus: The new normal?

Peru has reported 129,751 positive coronavirus cases and has a death toll of 3,788.

Peru reports 129,751 COVID-19 cases and 3,788 deaths