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Health news

Xevudy: UK approves new COVID drug found to cut risk of death by 79%

Sotrovimab, with the brand name Xevudy, is the second COVID drug to be approved by the UK's medicines agency.

Health news

Cancer in Europe: How COVID is masking a deepening health crisis

A new data tool has exposed the true scale of a brewing European health crisis masked by efforts to get a grip on the COVID pandemic.

Health news

COVID vaccines less effective on Omicron, warns Moderna boss

The vaccine maker said the large number of mutations in the newly-identified Omicron variant could make it more resistant to current COVID vaccines.

United Kingdom

Omicron: Booster shots to be available to all adults in the UK

Scientists in the UK have advised that all adults should now be included in the COVID-19 booster jab campaign in the wake of the spread of the Omicron variant.

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Health news

Omicron variant poses 'very high' global risk, WHO says

The World Health Organization says the new Omicron strain of COVID-19 poses a 'very high' risk, but that much is still unknown about it. Here's what we know so far.

Travel News

South Africa slams travel bans over Omicron variant as 'unjustified'

South Africa's health minister says the travel bans over the new Omicron variant first detected in his country are "draconian", "unjustified," and contrary to WHO guidance.

Switzerland

Swiss voters back COVID-19 pass in bid to tackle rise in infections

62 per cent of Swiss voters backed a controversial COVID certificate in a national referendum on Sunday, official results showed.

Travel News

UK travel restrictions: Day 2 and pre-departure test rules explained

All UK arrivals have to show a negative COVID-19 test on arrival and do a PCR test on or before day 2.

Health news

Could a nasal spray be the solution to preventing and treating COVID?

Trials are underway in the UK on a COVID nasal spray called pHOXWELL which researchers believe is capable of stopping any variant of concern.

Belgium

Europe's first reported case of new COVID variant found in Belgium

Europe's first reported case of new COVID variant has been discovered in Belgium.

Economy

Brussels urges caution despite strong economic growth forecasts

The EU Commissioner for the Economy Paolo Gentiloni delivered the European Semester Autumn Package on Wednesday. While he insisted that the worst is behind us, he still warned against the possible negative effects of the pandemic on the economy.

New Zealand

New Zealand to allow entry for vaccinated residents and visitors

New Zealand will reopen its borders to the world over the coming months, the government announced on Wednesday, allowing for the return of displaced residents from January and tourists from April.

World News

Europe and Central Asia 'could see 700k extra COVID deaths by March 1'

“Cumulative reported deaths are projected to reach over 2.2 million by spring next year, based on current trends,” WHO said in a statement.

Travel News

Vaccinated foreign students and workers to return to Australia in 2022

The country is lifting quarantine restrictions for students and workers from December.

Austria

Austria back in full national lockdown to battle coronavirus surge

Austria has gone into a nationwide lockdown as it battles a surge in coronavirus infections.

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Tense standoffs, clashes at Brussels COVID demo

Belgian police deployed water cannon on demonstrators gathered in central Brussels on Sunday, as they protested against reinforced measures aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19, which the government imposed to counter the latest spike in cases.

World News

COVID vaccine: Who in Europe is leading the race to herd immunity?

With a fresh wave of COVID infections hitting Europe, which country is best prepared?

Health news

Pfizer to allow developing countries to make and sell its COVID pill

The new deal will mean that more than half the world's population will be able to access the treatment cheaply.

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New Zealand protesters march against COVID-19 restrictions

Hundreds of protesters marched through Christchurch as part of demonstrations opposing COVID-19 vaccinations and virus restrictions organised in several cities around New Zealand.

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Return of Rio rap a sign pandemic may be waning

This kind of battle was good news for the impoverished, sometimes violent Cidade de Deus favela in Rio de Janeiro: a rap duel in a local bar held for the first time since the pandemic hit early last year.