A technician handles collected PCR (polymerase chain reaction) swab samples collected as part of COVID-19 coronavirus disease testing, at the Palestinian Gaza-based Health Ministry central laboratory in Gaza City on December 7, 2020. (Photo: AFP)

The total number of deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide has increased to 1,537,070 with the global confirmed cases reaching 67,132,062 as of 6:30 pm BJT on Monday, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

Current status (data as of 6:30 pm BJT, Dec 7):

COVID-19 vaccines from China were in good condition upon arrival in Indonesia and refrigeration vehicles for delivery have been well prepared to keep the vaccines undamaged and safe, Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto said on Monday.

Chancellor Angela Merkel’s chief of staff says he expects coronavirus vaccinations to start in Germany “in the very first days” of the new year. The trained doctor says he’s prepared to help vaccinate people himself.

South Korea's health minister said Monday that the Seoul metropolitan area is now a “COVID-19 war zone,” as the country reported another 615 new infections and the virus appeared to be spreading faster.

Denmark reported 1,745 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, bringing the nationwide tally to 90,603, according to the Danish Statens Serum Institute (SSI).

It's back to school again for some New York City schoolchildren on Monday, weeks after the schools were closed to in-person learning because of rising COVID-19 infections. The city's public school system, which shut down in-person learning earlier this month.