Romania Romania: Protests after hospital fire leaves at least five people dead The rally was organised by a new right-wing political party that has opposed same-sex marriage and supported clerics that have defied coronavirus restrictions. 31/01/2021
No Comment COVID pandemic: People sleep outside as they queue for oxygen in Peru People sleep outside and queue in Peru to secure oxygen to help relatives suffering from COVID-19. 30/01/2021
World News WHO official says vaccine export bans 'not helpful' in COVID fight The EU says it is not an "export ban" but rather a requirement for transparency on all vaccine exports. 30/01/2021
France In France's poorest region, the COVID-19 vaccination drive struggles The coronavirus was initially widely seen as the great equalizer, infecting rich and poor. But studies have since shown that some people are more vulnerable than others, including the world's poorest. 30/01/2021
World News Europe closes borders in fight against coronavirus variants Europe's tightening of coronavirus measures includes severe travel restrictions in attempts to keep out new variants 30/01/2021
France France avoids fresh lockdown, but closes borders to non-EU countries France is to close its borders to countries outside the European Union from Sunday, but has stopped short of imposing a new lockdown as the country continues to battle the spread of coronavirus. 29/01/2021
Germany Germany bans entry from UK and four other nations over COVID variants From Saturday Germany will close its borders to arrivals from five countries that are affected by COVID-19 variants, in order to "protect the German population" the German health ministry said. 29/01/2021
Partner content 2020, a year of slowdowns, but not for global warming Partner content presented by Copernicus 2020, the hottest year on record wrapped up the hottest decade ever. Although global lockdowns have not stifled the warming climate, the global health crisis might nudge us into climate action. 29/01/2021
Netherlands EU approves AstraZeneca COVID vaccine despite concern for older people The European Medicines Agency says it is not restricting use of the vaccine for people aged over 55 in order to 'give options', but some member states are set to withhold it 29/01/2021
Destinations Europe's first digital nomad village is opening on a stunning island Nomads who commit to staying for a month can get a working space, wifi and a Slack community - all for free 29/01/2021
World Younger people subject to mental health issues amid COVID pandemic The shutting of schools, disruption of daily life, paired with reduced social interaction and uncertainty over the future has increased the pressure on many young people. 29/01/2021
Portugal Portugal extends lockdown and limits foreign travel amid COVID surge President Rebelo de Sousa called for quick and drastic action to fight a January pandemic surge that has stretched medical services in Portugal to breaking point. 29/01/2021
China WHO team visits Wuhan hospital that had early COVID patients A World Health Organization team visited a hospital where China says the first COVID-19 patients were treated more than a year ago as part of the experts' long-awaited fact-finding mission on the origins of the coronavirus. 29/01/2021
World News What are the real reasons behind the EU's slow vaccine rollout? As the EU faces heightened criticism over delays to the coronavirus vaccine rollout, we take a look at why it's taking so long. 29/01/2021
United Kingdom Novavax COVID-19 vaccine appears 89% effective in UK study While the Novavax vaccine study is still ongoing, initial results show it is nearly 96% effective against the older coronavirus and nearly 86% effective against the new variant circulating in the UK. 28/01/2021
No Comment Boris Johnson travels to hospital laboratory in Glasgow amid lockdown Prime Minister Boris Johnson travelled to Scotland on Thursday to laud the rapid rollout of coronavirus vaccines across the United Kingdom 28/01/2021
Germany Germany considers stopping flights from countries with COVID variants The country is set to take "drastic measures" to stop the spread of coronavirus variants, with plans to stop flights from the UK, Brazil, South Africa and Portugal. 28/01/2021
Europe News EU is 'stuck between a rock and a hard place' on vaccine rollout "The problem for the European Commission is going to be once the rollout happens, it's not going to get the credit. The member states ... are going to take the credit," said Finland's ex-PM Alexander Stubb 28/01/2021
France France reports around 2,000 daily cases of new variants France's health minister said that although the 6 pm curfew is having an effect, infections are still rising. 28/01/2021
France French restaurant customers 'will be fined' after unlawful lunch Restaurant owner Christophe Wilson defiantly served lunch to dozens of people in defiance of pandemic restrictions in the French Riviera City. 28/01/2021