Japan reports no fatalities since November 7. (Photo: BBC)

COVID-19 seems to be gradually disappearing from Japan. Three months ago, the pandemic reached its peak with 26,000 cases every day. Now Japan has less than 200 cases a day and no fatalities since November 7. Japan is a rare case where the number of infections has not increased even though restaurants and public transport have reopened and are crowded again.

India has seen a decline in the number of infections despite the festive season when a large number of people gathered and a warning came from epidemiologists of a peak epidemic wave in October and November. New infections in India have reduced from the highest peak of 400,000 cases a day in May to below 10,000 cases now.

World Health Organization scientists said India appears to be "entering an endemic disease phase" and the country is enhancing vaccine coverage.

South Korea is also witnessing a turning point in the fight against COVID-19. Students of all levels have returned to school for full-time in-person classes this week. This is part of the "living with COVID-19" plan approved by the Government after reaching a vaccination rate of nearly 80%, one of the highest in the world.