More countries have seen a rising number of COVID-19 infections again after further relaxations of pandemic restrictions.
In Britain, from 4 a.m. local time the coming Friday, all COVID-19 travel restrictions will be lifted, including the passenger locator form for arrivals into the country, as well as all tests for passengers who do not qualify as vaccinated.
Britain on Tuesday added 492,103 COVID-19 cases and 714 deaths over the last seven days.
Official figures show that the coronavirus infections are rising in all four UK regions for the first time since the end of January, with Scotland already reporting record-high infection data.
France has also proceeded to lift restrictions on the mandatory vaccine pass and masks in indoor areas.
Starting from Monday, masks are no longer required in most indoor public places, such as shops, shopping centers, bars, restaurants and schools.
According to data released by the WHO on Tuesday, 419,632 new cases had been reported in France from March 7 to 13.
Turkey has also been gradually easing coronavirus restrictions.
In early March, Turkey eased several COVID-19 restrictions in public spaces. The outdoor mask requirement has been lifted, while masks are not mandatory indoors when there is enough ventilation and if the distance rule is respected.
Turkey on Tuesday reported 24,614 new COVID-19 cases, raising its tally of infections to 14,600,701.
Meanwhile, in Ecuador, students returned to classrooms on Monday following two years of lockdown sparked by the pandemic.
The return to the classroom comes after the country achieved high vaccination levels against COVID-19, with 85 percent of the target population aged five and older, or more than 13.6 million people, fully vaccinated.
Produced by Xinhua Global Service
