Asked if Americans should follow the CDC's mask guidance or their state or city's rules, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said Monday, "We still recommend indoor masking in public settings that have areas of high transmission … and right now that's over 98% of our counties."

But case are "dropping fast," Walensky told Andy Slavitt, former senior adviser to the Biden administration's COVID response team, on his podcast "In the Bubble."

"We are working to update our guidance soon," Walensky said.

-ABC News' Cheyenne Haslett

Carnival has joined Royal Caribbean and Norwegian in easing mask mandates onboard cruises, announcing that masks will be recommended, but not required beginning March 1.

Norwegian previously announced it will drop its mask requirement for vaccinated passengers starting March 1. Royal Caribbean said it will reopen indoor mask-free areas for fully vaccinated travelers on Feb. 14.

-ABC News' Mina Kaji

Moderna said it's in the early stages of research for a combination vaccine that would combine three vaccines into one: a COVID-19 booster, a flu vaccine and an RSV vaccine.

There is no current vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, a virus that causes mild symptoms in most adults but can be deadly for older adults and young children. This new study will only test the vaccine in adults over 60.

The CDC estimates RSV kills 14,000 Americans over 65 each year.

-ABC News' Sony Salzman

Buckingham Palace on Tuesday canceled some of Queen Elizabeth's virtual engagements, saying the monarch continues to have mild COVID symptoms.

"As Her Majesty is still experiencing mild cold like symptoms she has decided not to undertake her planned virtual engagements today, but will continue with light duties," palace officials said in a statement.

The palace announced on Sunday that the Queen, 95, tested positive.

-ABC News' Zoe Magee

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Monday the country will only lift COVID-19 restrictions when it is "well beyond" the omicron peak.

During a Post-Cabinet press conference, Ardern said COVID-19 cases are expected to double every three to four days with a peak expected in mid-to-late March.

“It’s likely then that, very soon, we will all know people who have COVID or we will potentially get it ourselves,” she said.

Restrictions currently include unvaccinated people not being allowed to enter restaurants and bars, students being required to wear masks and events such as weddings being limited to 100 guests, or 25 guests if there are unvaccinated people in attendance.

Ardern also addressed protesters who have been occupying the grounds of the parliament building over the last week in protest of COVID rules.

"Everyone is over COVID. No one wants to live with rules or restrictions. But had we not all been willing to work together to protect one another, then we all would have been worse off as individuals, including losing people we love," she said.

Ardern continued, "We all want to go back to the way that life was, and we will, I suspect sooner than you think. But when that happens, it will be because easing restrictions won't compromise the lives of thousands of people, not because you demanded it."