The coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed more than 2.2 million lives and sickened at least 103 people worldwide, is subsiding from record levels as nations have enacted restrictions, including lockdowns, and are ramping up vaccinations.
On Jan. 20, there were a record 17,554 deaths reported, which was among 99,135 that died from Jan. 16-23, according to tracking by Worldometers.info. In the past week, the high was 16,624 Thursday with a weekly total of 97,720.
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MIDDLE EAST
Iran FM asks Europe to help mediate US return to nuclear deal.
Iran rejects new participants, any talks on nuclear deal.
Iran says no to bilateral negotiations with U.S. to rejoin nuclear deal.
Iraqi anger grows after election postponement.
Turkey's Erdogan says may begin working on new constitution.
Lebanon races to vaccinate population as COVID-19 deaths rise.
Coronavirus digest: Israel sends vaccine shots to Palestinians.
ASIA
Panic, anger and uncertainty in Yangon after Myanmar coup.
Biden threatens U.S. sanctions after Myanmar coup, launches policy review.
As U.S. warns on withdrawal, data shows Taliban attacks climb in past year.
WHO team investigating coronavirus in China visits Hubei Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
Vietnam leader Nguyen Phu Trong chosen to serve historic 3rd term.
Japan set to extend state of emergency, likely for another month.
AFRICA
Rising tension as Ethiopia and Sudan deadlocked on border dispute.
U.N. lists candidates to run Libya's transitional government until this year's vote.
Nigeria to support Mozambique against militants.
Uganda's opposition leader Bobi Wine files election challenge in court.
Coronavirus: South Africa lifts alcohol ban as Covid rules ease.
UK imposes sanctions on Zimbabwe officials.
More 'Chibok Girls' escape Boko Haram in Nigeria, parents say.
EUROPE
Coronavirus: BioNTech-Pfizer pledges 75 million more EU vaccines.
France begins limiting travel outside the EU to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Restaurants and museums reopen as Italy relaxes coronavirus curbs.
Navalny prosecutors seek three-and-a-half-year jail term.
US prepared to 'stand up' to Moscow, says secretary of State.
Kosovo establishes Israel ties, to open embassy in Jerusalem.
Northern Ireland suspends Brexit checks amid safety fears for port staff.
Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised $57 million for Britain's NHS, is hospitalised with COVID-19.
AMERICAS
COVID relief bill fight to test Biden’s promise of ‘unity’.
US economy to rebound 4.6% in 2021, complicating stimulus talks.
U.S. faces higher risk of domestic extremist violence after Capitol assault, says government.
COVAX informs Latin American, Caribbean nations of vaccine shipments.
Argentina seeks $44 billion IMF deal to repay debt: WSJ.
El Salvador violence: Deadly attack on party activists.
Protests increase in Brazil over Bolsonaro's response to COVID-19 as demand for his resignation grows after he said it was not the government's responsibility to deliver oxygen.
Huge snowstorm blankets US East Coast, halting travel and vaccinations.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Pakistan orders release of man convicted of Daniel Pearl murder.
Top ISIS leader in Iraq killed in US airstrike.
Israel to send investigators after New Delhi embassy bombing, suspects Iran's IRGC responsible.
American taxpayers have spent jaw-dropping amount on keeping 9/11 mastermind alive.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
S&P 500 posts biggest gain since Nov. 24, led by gains in tech shares.
Asian markets extend gains as sentiment improves on outlook.
GameStop investor battle moves on to silver as prices surge.
Huawei tumbles in global sales rankings after U.S. sanctions.
GameStop traders pour into silver, sending price to highest level since 2013.
