It's still the best of times, and the worst of times.
Australia is continuing its impressive run supressing the spread of coronavirus, while news of vaccine development achievements suggest a glimmer of hope is no longer just a mirage.
But with more than 100,000 infections being recorded each day in the United States and Italy again struggling with hospital admissions, not everywhere is on the up.
Vigilance is the key, and in South Korea, drones have been called in to remind people to stay safe during the pandemic.
More than 300 drones above Seoul's Olympic Park formed images in the sky, showing people wearing masks and sending messages of thanks to medical workers and citizens. The country reported 205 cases of coronavirus on Friday.
Closer to home, the hard border separating Western Australia and Australia's eastern states has come down, allowing families held apart by the tyranny of distance to reunite for the first time in seven months.
"Western Australia is ready to take the next step forward," the state's premier, Mark McGowan, said.
About 2000 people are expected to land at Perth Airport this weekend, with the number of flights tripled since last weekend.
And Victoria continues its run as a world leader in suppressing the coronavirus, achieving a 15th day of no new cases. NSW also marked a week since the state recorded a local case.
It might look like the tail end of the pandemic in some places, but in others there is still a long way to go.
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- Victoria records 15 days straight with no COVID-19 cases
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