Covid live: Poland, Slovakia and Iceland latest countries set to end most coronavirus restrictions — as it happened

Move comes as case numbers and deaths continue to fall in many nations

• South Korea PM urges calm after Covid cases soar by 70,000 in a day
• Children breathe out fewer aerosols', which may reduce Covid risk
• Transport for London drops rules on compulsory face masks

Hong Kong reported a record 8,674 new Covid infections on Wednesday, as the city prepares for compulsory testing of its residents after authorities extended the toughest social restrictions imposed since the pandemic began.

Health authorities reported 24 deaths compared with Tuesday's 32, as they step up measures, with assistance from their mainland counterparts, to contain the outbreak. On Tuesday, Hong Kong reported 6,211 new cases.