UK cases of Indian variant rise sharply; Spain ‘on track for herd immunity’ – as it happened

Figures show 1,313 cases in the past week, up from 520; United Arab Emirates approves emergency use of Pfizer vaccine for 12-15 year olds; daily infections down from a peak six weeks ago in Philippines

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12.05am BST

We're closing this blog shortly but thanks very much for reading. Here is a summary of the main developments over the past 18 hours or so.

11.38pm BST

Australia has for the World Health Organization to be given greater powers to investigate outbreaks after an independent panel found dithering and poor coordination when Covid-19 emerged in China.

AFP reports:

Australia has been in the firing line from China, its largest trading partner, over steps including backing US-led calls for a probe into Covid's origins, with Beijing imposing tariffs on key products including wine and cutting off diplomatic and trade talks.