US coronavirus cases on the rise: Epidemiologist Peter Chin-Hong speaks to DW

The total number of omicron cases detected in Germany rose sharply with the latest figures, which were the first to provide testing results and data from a working day after the Christmas break.

Coronavirus shutdowns are ending across Africa. Officials don't view severe curbs as a suitable tool for containing the spread. Vaccinations alone won't cut it. Now, Africans are seeking a way to live with the virus.

Health officials are worried the sheer number of new infections will once again overwhelm the Himalayan country's fragile health care system.

The United States has warned that companies' stockpiles of semiconductor chips have shrunk dramatically due to the global supply shortage, putting production at risk from any disruption. A survey of 150 firms for the Commerce Department found the median stocks held by manufacturers had fallen from 40 days' worth in 2019 to just 5 days' worth in 2021. It comes as Democrats in the House of Representatives published a bill for investment worth $52 billion in the sector.

Marine scientists have witnessed a spectacular phenomenon at Australia's Great Barrier Reef – billions of baby corals in the making. The corals on the reef are fertilizing their offspring by releasing spawn into the Pacific Ocean.

Which COVID-19 vaccines work longest? And what are their advantages and drawbacks?

Oil facilities at Belgian ports have been hit with a cyberattack. The news comes a day after Germany launched an investigation into a similar incident.

The tennis star is prepared to miss the French Open, Wimbledon and any tournament if they require jabs. He told the BBC that he is not against vaccines but wants "the freedom to choose what you put into your body."

Buckingham Palace has announced that Queen Elizabeth has tested positive for COVID-19

One week after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, US enterprise software giant Oracle has suspended its Russian operations, while Amazon is pledging logistical and cybersecurity support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia's sovereign credit rating has been slashed to junk status by two major ratings agencies and the Moscow Stock Exchange is closed for a fourth consecutive day. We also take a closer look at how the US and EU are working on measures to make sure cryptocurrencies are not used to circumvent sanctions on Russia.

More than 6 million people around the world have died from COVID-related causes, according to the US Johns Hopkins University. Meanwhile, Hong Kong is struggling with a surge in cases.