Beijing's new Covid test requirement, South Africa's 5th wave fear: a global roundup

South Korea will join the list of countries that have abolished mask laws in public areas. Meanwhile, instances in South Africa are on the rise once more, raising fears of a fifth Covid outbreak. The following are the top eight updates on the global Covid-19 issue.

On Saturday, a health worker takes a swab sample from a woman to be tested for the Covid-19 coronavirus on a Beijing street. (AFP)

While incidents in Shanghai are rapidly decreasing, citizens in Beijing are now subject to harsher Covid-19 restrictions. In order to avoid a repeat of the Shanghai outbreak, authorities in the Chinese capital have made a negative Covid-19 test essential for everyone entering a public location as of May 5, according to sources.

South Korea will join the list of Southeast Asian countries that have abolished mask laws in public areas. Meanwhile, instances in South Africa are on the rise once more, raising fears of a fifth Covid outbreak.

The following are the top eight updates on the global Covid-19 issue.

1. According to the AFP news agency, Beijing officials have made a negative Covid-19 test essential for people to enter public venues. A Covid test that is negative