Global fear of coronavirus on the rise, new poll shows

Only deaths resulting directly from respiratory failure due to a coronavirus infection will be counted as COVID-19 deaths under new Chinese rules. With the new guidelines in place, cases have risen but deaths declined.

China has reported zero COVID-19 deaths for the last four days. A British based health data firm estimated that there are nearly 5,000 deaths a day in China from COVID-19.

Famous German virologist Christian Dorsten believes the coronavirus pandemic has ended and COVID-19 is now an endemic disease. And Justice Minister Marco Buschmann called for the last restrictive measures to be lifted.

Syrian human rights activist Joumana Seif has dedicated her life to gender equality and the recognition of sexual violence as a crime against humanity. For this, she will receive the Anne Klein Women's Award 2023.

As China eases its zero-Covid policy amidst international fears of a new wave, a report by an anglophone journalist in China from late December is being used online as "proof" that the coronavirus figures in Shanghai are hardly cause for concern. But is all as it seems? We take a closer look in this edition with Vedika Bahl.

As China eases its zero-Covid policy amidst international fears of a new wave, a report by an anglophone journalist in China from late December is being used online as "proof" that the coronavirus figures in Shanghai are hardly cause for concern. But is all as it seems? We take a closer look in this edition with Vedika Bahl.

The Republic of Kosovo marks the 15th anniversary of the declaration of its independence from Serbia on February 17. Tensions between the two countries remain high to this day, with relations deteriorating in recent months. Speaking to DW in Pristina, Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti said that the situation persists because "Serbia is not a normal democratic country."

A recent report points to raccoon dogs as possible transmitters at the origin of the Covid-19 pandemic. DNA samples collected at the Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market in China show that several raccoon dogs were present in areas where the SARS-CoV-2 virus was found. FRANCE 24's Science Editor Shirli Sitbon looks at what the data may have revealed and why it has disappeared from data-sharing site GISAID.

The ECDC said the COVID-19 pandemic had taught "valuable lessons" and stressed that there needs to be better preparation for future health crises.

The coronavirus pandemic is over as a global health emergency, the World Health Organization said — while stressing that the virus "is here to stay."

Democracies across the globe are facing a crisis. Deepening inequalities, social injustices, and failure to effectively tackle global warming have fostered a widespread sentiment that elected officials no longer cater to voters' interests.

Recent deadly opposition protests have dented the image the West African country once enjoyed as a beacon of democracy. Experts now say the political standoff could negatively affect the economy.