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COVID and communication: Lip-readers struggling behind the mask
Hard of hearing people use visual cues, like the movement of another person’s lips, to understand and interact with others. But since the pandemic struck, the use of face masks has interfered with people's ability to communicate clearly.
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Portugal election: turnout fears and power struggles amid lockdown
Sunday's presidential election in Portugal comes at a very difficult moment in the fight against COVID-19. The country is under lockdown and the traditional last round of political campaigning has been scrapped. Now candidates and observers fear a record-low voter turnout, casting doubt on polls.
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France expands eligibility for those entitled to COVID-19 jabs
France is expanding the eligibility for people to get their COVID-19 vaccines. Around 6 million people can now have the jab. Those over 75 can have their first dose along with anyone in a high-risk group, such as those with serious health conditions.
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Angela Merkel says Germany is entering 'the most difficult phase'
Leaders across Europe are stepping up measures to control the spread of coronavirus as cases on the continent have reached an all-time high. They include instances of the new variant, first detected in the UK before Christmas. The WHO has called on European leaders to speed up their responses.
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'Better late than sorry': Sweden introduces masks on public transport
Authorities in Sweden are recommending face masks should be worn in public transport during peak times. Up until now, the country has resisted imposing the use of face coverings in the fight against COVID-19, except in healthcare. But there are signs the government is now taking tougher action.
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Ski resorts reopen in Austria despite third national lockdown
More than 400 Austrian ski stations have been allowed to reopen just before the country entered another nationwide coronavirus lockdown. Earlier this year, tourists in the alpine party town of Ischgl spread COVID across Europe after the resort failed to lock down quickly enough.