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The gut plays a key role in digestion and the immune system. Trillions of bacteria form a complex microbiome there.

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People in Qingdao, China getting tested at a testing centre

People in Qingdao, China getting tested at a testing centre

COVID digest: China's Shenzhen goes into lockdown

Major tech and motor factories shut down operations as China grapples with record COVID-19 cases. Follow DW for more.

A mass testing site at Qingdao. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

A mass testing site at Qingdao. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

China's symptomatic COVID cases more than triple

The number of infections in mainland China rose to 1,807, almost tripling over the past 24 hours.

China, Xi'an: A medical employee in protective clothing works in a testing laboratory where corona nucleic acid tests are performed, December 23, 2021.

China, Xi'an: A medical employee in protective clothing works in a testing laboratory where corona nucleic acid tests are performed, December 23, 2021.

China reports highest daily COVID cases in 2 years

China reported 1,524 coronavirus cases, its highest daily figure since the Wuhan outbreak in 2020. Follow DW.

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach

COVID digest: Germany's situation 'critical'

The German health minister has called on the federal states to reevaluate COVID rules before restrictions are lifted.

People walk a shopping street in Cologne

People walk a shopping street in Cologne

COVID digest: Germany draws up framework to ease rules

German ministers have revealed more about their plans to ease most of the rules to contain COVID-19. Follow DW for more.

Coffin of someone who has died of coronavirus in Germany

Coffin of someone who has died of coronavirus in Germany

COVID deaths surpass 6 million

More than 6 million people around the world have died from COVID-related causes, according to Johns Hopkins University.

South Korea's Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum speaks during a video conference in Seoul on March 2, 2022

South Korea's Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum speaks during a video conference in Seoul on March 2, 2022

COVID digest: South Korean PM tests positive

South Korean PM Kim Boo-Kyum has tested positive for COVID amid a surge of infections in the nation. DW has the latest.

Neuseeland Corona Protest Wellington

Neuseeland Corona Protest Wellington

COVID digest: New Zealand police clash with protesters

Protesters burned tents as police used pepper spray in New Zealand's capital, Wellington. DW has the latest.

Ukraine-Konflikt | Australien PK Scott Morrison verkündet Sanktionen für Russland

Ukraine-Konflikt | Australien PK Scott Morrison verkündet Sanktionen für Russland

COVID digest: Australian Prime Minister tests positive

Scott Morrison contracted the virus shortly after his country opened its doors to tourism after two years.

A police officer stands guard outside a pet store that was closed after some pet hamsters were, authorities said, tested positive for the coronavirus, in Hong Kong, Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.

A police officer stands guard outside a pet store that was closed after some pet hamsters were, authorities said, tested positive for the coronavirus, in Hong Kong, Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.

COVID digest: Hong Kong mulls lockdown amid omicron wave

Hong Kong is "discussing" whether it should institute a lockdown, in spite of previously ruling out the measure.

People shop at a crowded market amidst the spread of the coronavirus disease, in the old quarters of Delhi, India, January 4, 2022.

People shop at a crowded market amidst the spread of the coronavirus disease, in the old quarters of Delhi, India, January 4, 2022.

COVID digest: Delhi drops COVID restrictions

Germany's health minister has advised against easing restrictions as infection rates remain high. Follow DW for more.

People walk through a market in South Korea wearing face masks.

People walk through a market in South Korea wearing face masks.

South Korea COVID-19 cases hit new record

South Korea's prime minister has asked people to not "panic" amid record high daily COVID-19 cases. Here's the latest.

Passengers arrive at Sydney airport

Passengers arrive at Sydney airport

COVID: Australia reopens international borders

Foreign tourists are welcome in Australia once again, and Germany is set to ease travel restrictions. DW has the latest.

Queen Elizabeth pictured on her birthday in 2021

Queen Elizabeth pictured on her birthday in 2021

COVID digest: Queen Elizabeth tests positive

The 95-year-old monarch has "mild" cold-like symptoms, according to a Buckingham Palace statement. DW has the latest.

Patients seen lying on hospital beds at the open area outside Caritas Medical Centre

Patients seen lying on hospital beds at the open area outside Caritas Medical Centre

COVID digest: Hong Kong hospitals struggle with new cases

Hong Kong officials have called in building teams to construct more isolation units for hospitals. DW has the latest.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom points during a news conference in Sacramento in January

California Gov. Gavin Newsom points during a news conference in Sacramento in January

California moves to endemic response strategy

California is changing its response and South Korea is easing restrictions despite a surge in cases. DW has the latest.

A passenger arrives from overseas at the arrival hall of Haneda international airport in Tokyo

A passenger arrives from overseas at the arrival hall of Haneda international airport in Tokyo

COVID digest: Japan eases border entry rules

Elsewhere, Hong Kong is planning to use 10,000 hotel rooms for coronavirus patients. Follow DW for the latest.

BioNTech's mobile vaccine facility called the BioNTainer

BioNTech's mobile vaccine facility called the BioNTainer

COVID digest: BioNTech unveils mobile vaccine units

BioNTech has announced a mobile facility to help production and distribution in African countries. DW has the latest.

Police in the Netherlands talk to a restaurant worker on the street

Police in the Netherlands talk to a restaurant worker on the street

COVID: Netherlands to lift coronavirus restrictions

Dutch health minister announces end to most restrictions by February 25, as hospitalizations drop. DW has the latest.

A nurse in Uganda draws a vaccine dose

A nurse in Uganda draws a vaccine dose

COVID digest: Amnesty slams drug firms over vaccine access

Pharma giants "tragically failed" in their response to the pandemic, Amnesty International has said. DW has the latest.

A person injects a vaccine into the upper arm of another (no faces visible)

A person injects a vaccine into the upper arm of another (no faces visible)

COVID digest: Vaccine orders no longer needed — EU official

The EU's economy commissioner has said the time for discussing vaccine mandates has passed. Follow DW for the latest.

A view of a Covid-19 testing area at a street in Vienna, Austria

A view of a Covid-19 testing area at a street in Vienna, Austria

COVID digest: Austria eases restrictions

Austria's pandemic situation is looking up, and Canada-inspired protests mushroom around the world. DW has the latest.

Protesters against vaccine mandates with trucks and other vehicles adorned in signs and Canadian flags gather on ON-3 near Ambassador Bridge

Protesters against vaccine mandates with trucks and other vehicles adorned in signs and Canadian flags gather on ON-3 near Ambassador Bridge

Ontario declares state of emergency amid protests

The Canadian province declared a state of emergency as truckers block streets to protest coronavirus restrictions.

Freedom Convoy France

Freedom Convoy France

COVID digest: Paris bans 'Freedom Convoy' protest

The Canada-inspired rally of motorists will be banned in the French capital. All the latest with DW.

Genf WHO Direktor Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Genf WHO Direktor Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

COVID: WHO urges rich nations to pay for pandemic plan

The UN body says $16 billion is needed to help low-income countries fight coronavirus. DW has the latest.

Sign with 'Booster' in the foreground whilst someone in the background receives a vaccine jab

Sign with 'Booster' in the foreground whilst someone in the background receives a vaccine jab

COVID: EU considers BioNTech-Pfizer booster for 12-15s

The EMA is evaluating the shot to booster adolescents while Hong Kong is limiting public gatherings. DW has the latest.

Young people look at the central business district of Sydney, Australia, Nov. 28, 2021.

Young people look at the central business district of Sydney, Australia, Nov. 28, 2021.

COVID digest: Australia to reopen borders to tourists

PM Scott Morrison looks forward to "welcoming" fully vaccinated tourists from February 21. DW has the latest.

A sign in front of a shop in Gelsenkirchen tells people they can only enter if they are vaccinated or recovered from the virus

A sign in front of a shop in Gelsenkirchen tells people they can only enter if they are vaccinated or recovered from the virus

COVID digest: German officials urge caution on lifting curbs

Germany is under some pressure to follow Nordic countries that lifted curbs meant to stem the winter wave. DW has more.

A person fills a syringe with Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

A person fills a syringe with Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

COVID digest: Omicron booster may not be needed, study finds

A study suggested an omicron-specific booster was not significantly different to Moderna's booster. DW has the latest.

Österreich WIen | Polizei überpfüt Impfstatus

Österreich WIen | Polizei überpfüt Impfstatus

COVID digest: Austria vaccine mandate becomes law

Austria's president has signed a sweeping vaccine mandate for all adults into law.

A person getting a COVID-19 vaccination

A person getting a COVID-19 vaccination

EU watchdog open to omicron-specific vaccines

The EMA has said it would support vaccines that specifically target the omicron variant. Follow the latest on DW.

Red Cross teams in Tonga, photo from January 31.

Red Cross teams in Tonga, photo from January 31.

COVID digest: Volcano-hit Tonga in lockdown

Tonga registered two cases as the world was still rushing to deliver aid after last month's devastating eruption.

Central Copenhagen with Danes not wearing masks

Central Copenhagen with Danes not wearing masks

COVID digest: Denmark lifts almost all restrictions

Denmark is lifting restrictions it had imposed to try to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tested positive for coronavirus but continued to work from home

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tested positive for coronavirus but continued to work from home

COVID digest: Canada's Justin Trudeau tests positive

The Canadian Prime Minister says he's feeling "fine" so far. Follow DW for the latest.

A boy in India received his COVID vaccination

A boy in India received his COVID vaccination

COVID: India hits 75% vaccination rate milestone

Indian PM Narendra Modi said COVID cases were falling in some states as vaccination rates rise. DW has the latest.

Supporters of the Freedom Convoy protest Covid-19 vaccine mandates and restrictions in front of Parliament

Supporters of the Freedom Convoy protest Covid-19 vaccine mandates and restrictions in front of Parliament

Canada truckers reach Ottawa to protest vaccine mandate

Hundreds of Canadian truckers have arrived in Ottawa for a major protest against vaccine mandates. DW has the latest.

A portable COVID test site in Berlin

A portable COVID test site in Berlin

COVID: Germany's omicron wave 'under control'

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach expressed cautious optimism despite saying concerns that daily cases will reach 400,000.

Niederlande | Coronavirus | Impfungen in Rotterdam

Niederlande | Coronavirus | Impfungen in Rotterdam

COVID digest: EU says boosters could limit hospital cases

The EU's infectious disease agency has said that a third jab could prevent hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations.

The Austrian government placed roughly 2 million people who are not fully vaccinated under lockdown

The Austrian government placed roughly 2 million people who are not fully vaccinated under lockdown

COVID digest: Austria lifts lockdown for the unvaccinated

Although infections are soaring, Austria is set to end a lockdown specifically for the unvaccinated. Follow DW for more.

BioNTech employees in cleanroom suits test the procedures for the manufacturing of the vaccine

BioNTech employees in cleanroom suits test the procedures for the manufacturing of the vaccine

BioNTech-Pfizer launch omicron-specific jab trial

BioNTech and Pfizer launch a study on the effectiveness of an omicron-specific COVID-19 vaccine. Follow DW for more.

A healthcare worker prepares a dose of Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine

A healthcare worker prepares a dose of Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine

COVID digest: WHO chief warns against talk of 'endgame'

The WHO's head warns against assuming that the acute phase of the COVID pandemic is coming to an end.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at a news conference in Wellington, January 23

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at a news conference in Wellington, January 23

COVID: New Zealand PM tightens curbs, cancels wedding

New Zealand has implemented stricter rules after detecting its first locally-spread cases of omicron. DW has the latest.

A German vaccination certificate showing three entries of COVID vaccinations

A German vaccination certificate showing three entries of COVID vaccinations

COVID digest: Germans might not need four jabs

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said three COVID-19 jabs could be enough for "any vaccine mandate." DW has the latest.

Four vials of vaccine sit on a white paper with technical indications

Four vials of vaccine sit on a white paper with technical indications

CDC studies show boosters work against omicron

COVID-19 boosters offered the best protection against symptomatic disease, the CDC found. Follow DW for the latest.

A silhouette image of a person with wheeled luggage

A silhouette image of a person with wheeled luggage

Travel bans ineffective, WHO says

The World Health Organization urged lifting bans on international travel. Follow DW for the latest coronavirus news.

A paramedic unloads a patient from an ambulance at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney.

A paramedic unloads a patient from an ambulance at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney.

COVID digest: Deaths in Australia reach record high

Australia has reported its hightest number of daily COVID-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic. DW has the latest.

Israel's Sheba Medical Center said it carried out the first study on fourth boosters and the omicron variant

Israel's Sheba Medical Center said it carried out the first study on fourth boosters and the omicron variant

COVID digest: Fourth jab 'not enough' against omicron

Israeli researchers found that a fourth jab provided "only partial defense" against omicron. Follow DW for more.

All of Germany's neighbors are now deemed high risk as the omicron variant spreads

All of Germany's neighbors are now deemed high risk as the omicron variant spreads

COVID digest: Germany designates all neighbors 'high risk'

Germany puts Austria on its warning list, meaning all of its neighbors are now designated high-risk. Follow DW for more.

Illustration of the Pass Sanitaire (Green pass) next to a restaurant in the center of Paris

Illustration of the Pass Sanitaire (Green pass) next to a restaurant in the center of Paris

COVID: New French rules increase pressure for booster shots

Half a million vaccinated people in France have lost their proof of vaccination and require boosters. DW has the latest.

Vials of COVID-19 tests

Vials of COVID-19 tests

Germany records new daily record of infections

The Robert Koch Institute reports another new daily record of infections in Germany. DW has the latest.