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Europe News

Germany and Austria eye end to most COVID rules in March

Germany saw infections caused by the highly contagious omicron variant surge later than in several other European countries.

Destinations

Could Japan reopen to tourists in time for cherry blossom season?

The Japanese PM has hinted that European tourists could return soon, but Covid testing and vaxx rules are likely to be tight.

Destinations

Venice partygoers swap COVID masks for carnival outfits

Three years since the last Venice Carnival, revellers swapped their surgical masks for carnival ones and took to the streets.

Canada

Key US-Canada bridge reopens after police clear protesters

The crossing normally carries 25% of all trade between the two countries, and the blockade on the Canadian side had disrupted business in both countries, with automakers forced to shut down several assembly plants.

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Czech Republic

COVID in Europe: France and Switzerland ease coronavirus restrictions

Here is our summary of the coronavirus pandemic situation across the continent.

France

Paris police fire tear gas at protesters inspired by 'Freedom Convoy'

Elsewhere, several protesters were detained amid a seizure of knives, hammers and other objects in a central Parisian square.

Germany

German court won't stop vaccine mandate for healthcare workers for now

The Constitutional Court declined to issue an injunction before the new law takes effect in mid-March.

France

France eases rules for mandatory face masks at indoor public places

France eases rules for mandatory face masks at indoor public places

France

In pictures: Canada-style 'Freedom Convoy' heading for Paris

Protesters against France's COVID restrictions, inspired by the 'Freedom Convoy' in Canada, are heading to Paris.

Canada

Canada and US warn COVID truck protests risk serious economic damage

The blockade of a bridge between the two countries has disrupted car production and begun to have broader implications for the North American motor industry.

France

Paris police ban 'Freedom Convoy' protest against COVID restrictions

Thousands of opponents of France's vaccine pass have said on social media they intend to converge on Paris, inspired by truckers in Canada.

United Kingdom

COVID-infected people in England may soon not have to isolate

Prime Minister Boris Johnson told parliament the last domestic restrictions could be lifted by late February if the latest encouraging trends continued.

Canada

Canada: Ottawa declares state of emergency over COVID-19 protests

Thousands of protesters against vaccine mandates and other restrictions have descended on Canada's capital in what the police chief has likened to a 'siege'.

Finland

Protests highlight Finnish frustrations at ongoing COVID restrictions

There are rising levels of frustration across Finland over what protesters see as a government slow to allow society to open up again.

China

Beijing Winter Olympics under way amid strict COVID restrictions

The ceremony at the Chinese capital's National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, took place at 13:00 CET.

World News

Europe could be heading for 'a long period of COVID tranquillity'

That's the view of WHO Europe director Dr Hans Kluge.

United Kingdom

'I'll comply with the law': Boris Johnson faces MPs after Gray report

The British prime minister could face a fine if UK police discover that he breached COVID-19 regulations.

United Kingdom

What did Sue Gray's report say about lockdown parties in Downing St?

The verdict is in.

Health news

Do COVID vaccine mandates work? Early studies suggest they do

As Austria mandates COVID vaccines and Germany debates following suit, the early research suggests that announcing a vaccine mandate can boost the number of people getting the jabs.

United Kingdom

Boris Johnson: London's Met Police deny delaying 'partygate' report

Police have asked for Sue Gray's report to include "minimal reference" to alleged Downing Street lockdown parties to avoid prejudicing their own investigation.