COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 21 August

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have now reached more than 22.6 million globally, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The number of confirmed coronavirus deaths now stands at nearly 793,000.

Brazil has registered more than 3.5 million cases of COVID-19, with the official death toll at 112,304. Total deaths across Latin America have passed a quarter of a million.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has deferred a decision on whether to ease the lockdown on the country's biggest city, Auckland. She said she'd review it again on Monday.

Total confirmed cases in India have nearly reached 3 million. 68,898 new infections were recorded in the last 24 hours, according to data from the federal health ministry.

The UAE could reintroduce some restrictions after a rise in cases, Reuters reports.

China reported 22 new infections on the mainland for 20 August - all imported. It's the fifth straight day of no new locally transmitted infections. It comes as Beijing removes a requirement that people must wear a mask outdoors in the capital.

Japan is also planning to ease restrictions. From next month, authorities plan to allow foreign nationals with resident visas to enter the country. They'll have to undergo testing and quarantine for 14 days - the same policy that applies to Japanese citizens.

South Korea has warned that a cluster of coronavirus infections could spread. Officials are hoping intensive tracing and testing can help prevent a widespread outbreak.

2. Cases fall in Australia

Daily increases in Australia are set to fall to a five-week low. The state of Victoria, which is part way through a six-week lockdown, reported 179 cases in the previous 24 hours - down from over 700 a day two weeks ago.

“To be at this point shows that the strategy is working,” Victoria premier Daniel Andrews said.

The neighbouring state of New South Wales reported just one new case.

“Today’s meeting of national cabinet came during what I would describe as a week of increased hope,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

With the fall in cases, business leaders have called for inter-state travel restrictions to be eased.

3. Drink in a fish bowl?

A bar in Tokyo has introduced fish bowl-like screens, in an effort to prevent coronavirus transmission and encourage customers back.

Revenues at the Jazz Lounge En Counter bar were down 80% on pre-pandemic levels, so the bar took the unusual step in an effort to make customers feel safer.

“If we don’t take firm steps we wouldn’t be responding to customers’ requests. And they wouldn’t visit us because they’re worried,” said manager Katsutoshi Iwazaki.

Employees have also reported feeling safer.