Children's books in Hungary would need to be sold in "closed packaging" if they deal with LGBTQ issues, according to a new decree. The order stems from a law that critics say conflates homosexuality and pedophilia.

The decision to ditch most coronavirus restrictions is being strongly criticized by some medical professionals who have been at the forefront in the fight against COVID.

Syrian weightlifter Maan Asaad and high jumper Majd Eddin Ghazal are preparing to participate in the Tokyo Olympics after a 2 year hiatus from competing internationally because of COVID-19. The lack of international participation has impacted Maan according to his brother and trainer, Qays.

Indonesian authorities dress up as ghosts as part of a campaign to highlight new virus restrictions in a country where supernatural beliefs are widespread. The "ghosts" are aiming to scare people into respecting the rules. Indonesia's huge social media space has been jammed with fake news and hoaxes about the virus, while many have expressed doubts about taking vaccines.

Authorities use a fire engine to spray water at people who violate new virus restrictions in the Indonesian city of Semarang. The Southeast Asian nation has seen an unprecedented wave of infections driven by the highly contagious Delta variant, said government officials.

India's top tourist attraction the Taj Mahal reopens two months after it was shut when a deadly surge in coronavirus infections swept the country. Cases and deaths in the vast nation of 1.3 billion people soared to record levels in April and May but infections have declined in recent weeks, with major cities including the capital New Delhi and the financial capital Mumbai lifting some curbs on movement and activities.

Revellers crowd the newly reopened dance floor of a club in Washington, DC, as authorities lift all Covid restrictions on bars, nightclubs and entertainment venues in the US capital, allowing them to operate at full capacity. "I just high-fived a stranger," says local resident and partygoer Aimee Bailey, "we're just so excited to be able to be next to each other." Nightclub owner Bill Spieler shares her enthusiasm but also confesses to being "nervous," as his venue hasn't welcomed dancing crowds indoors for over a year until now.

Member states have reportedly agreed to lift coronavirus travel restrictions on tourists from eight countries, including the United States.

Londoners give their opinion after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a four-week delay to the full lifting of coronavirus restrictions in England due to a surge in infections caused by the Delta variant. The delay comes as a blow to Johnson's plans to fully reopen the UK economy on June 21 after months of gradually easing restrictions since March. In England, most current rules, including limits on the number of people who can meet in pubs and restaurants, will remain in place until July 19, although restrictions on the number of guests allowed at weddings will be lifted.

China has said it will stop banks and payment firms from using cryptocurrenices, sending prices into a tailspin. Beijing's regulators warned that "speculation" was a threat to the financial system.

Pubs and restaurants have reopened for the first time in months as England eases another round of public health regulations.

Britons toast a significant easing of coronavirus restrictions, with early morning pints -- and much-needed haircuts -- as the country took another tentative step towards the resumption of normal life.