Coronavirus digest: Cold chain doubts delay vaccine distribution

China has imposed a COVID lockdown on half of its largest city and financial capital, Shanghai. Meanwhile, Israeli PM Bennett has tested positive for COVID-19.

Even as it said Germany likely passed the peak of omicron infections, the Robert Koch Institute warned coronavirus cases remained high. Despite this, the country is considering relaxing quarantine rules.

China's largest city is testing more than half of its population as it attempts to curb an outbreak of the coronavirus. After more than two years, Italy has ended its state of emergency.

The majority of Germans couldn't wait to get vaccinated against COVID-19. But a significant minority still refuses to get the jab. Vaccination skepticism isn't a new phenomenon. Who are the people who refuse vaccination and what are their motives?

Most people in Germany support the government's coronavirus policies. But a small, yet vocal, minority rejects vaccinations, masks and distancing rules — and denies the existence of the virus. The conflict has changed Germany's social climate.

Shanghai reported three COVID deaths — the first since a strict lockdown started last month. Meanwhile, Germany's health minister said the mask mandate may be brought back in autumn.

Beijing has launched a mass testing drive to detect as many infections as possible in a bid to contain a new outbreak. Meanwhile, Germany's finance minister tests negative for COVID.

The WHO chief has urged countries to ramp up testing to accurately reflect global transmission trends. Meanwhile, Mexico said it is transitioning from pandemic to endemic.

A top German court is debating the case of two army officers who have refused a mandatory vaccination against COVID-19. The two have cited their right to "physical integrity" under German law.

Germany’s disease control agency has lowered its risk assessment for the dangers posed by the coronavirus pandemic to the general population. China has again defended its zero-COVID strategy. DW has the latest.

The World Health Organization and its COVID-19 vaccine partner Gavi have said they are not currently planning to buy shots from South Africa's Aspen - whose CEO is warning a lack of demand threatens local production.

A year ago, South Africa celebrated the opening of the continent's first COVID vaccine production line. Now it's at risk of being shut down due to low demand.