Americans react after the top US health agency announced it was lifting mask-wearing guidance for people who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

EU member states have agreed to allow vaccinated travellers into the bloc under a recommendation to be adopted on Friday by EU ministers and taken up by leaders at a summit next week, the European Commission says. EU ambassadors agreed that those inoculated with EU-approved vaccines against Covid-19 would be able to enter, though the decision is not binding on member states, which can make up their own mind whether to apply it. Also, an "emergency brake" will be available to prevent variants being imported into the EU.

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No foreign pilgrims will be able to attend this year's hajj. Saudi Arabia's leading religious council has decided that protecting the population is the most important goal.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett calls on young people to get vaccinated against Covid-19 during the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem. The Israeli health ministry reimposed compulsory mask-wearing in enclosed public places on June 25, following a surge in Covid-19 cases since the rule was dropped 10 days earlier.

The changes apply to those with a vaccine approved by the US or in Europe. Arrivals will still need to test negative before departing for England.

The US has been under pressure to lift restrictions on international travel. Vaccinated travelers may soon be allowed to enter the country. Follow DW for the latest.

Saudi Arabia will begin receiving requests for umrah pilgrimage from abroad for vaccinated worshipers starting August 9. The move comes 18 months after a border closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"I want the highest number of people vaccinated as possible," said New Zealand's Ardern during a press conference in Wellington as she notes record numbers in the vaccination program and the positive impacts of the lockdown. New Zealand reported 68 community cases of Covid-19 Thursday, bringing the total number of community cases to 277.

Vaccinated travelers arriving from from low-risk countries will no longer have to take PCR tests. England has also removed eight countries from its red list.

It is the first time India has opened its borders to foreign travelers since imposing a strict lockdown in March 2020 to curb the spread of COVID.

New Zealand will reopen its borders in stages over time. Meanwhile, the WHO warned that the Europe would see many more deaths during the winter. Follow DW for the latest.