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Sweden

Sweden's health officials 'misjudged' second wave of COVID-19

Sweden has stood out for its approach to the pandemic, for a long time not mandating lockdowns and instead relying on citizens’ sense of civic duty.

Spotlight

How Japan is assisting foreigners during the COVID-19 pandemic

In partnership with The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Across the world, people are adjusting to the 'new COVID-19 normal’. The economic and social landscape in Japan, as elsewhere, looks very different now. We look at how Japan is facing the challenges of life during a pandemic through the stories of people on the ground.

France

French culture industry angry as country swaps lockdown for curfew

France replaces lockdown with an overnight curfew from Tuesday, except for on Christmas Eve. Theatres, cinemas and museums remain closed.

Turkey

Turkey to bring in the new year with a new COVID-19 lockdown

The short lockdown will begin on New Years Eve and last until the morning of January 4, the president has announced.

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Wuhan river swimmers happy to be back after virus lockdown

Wuhan was where the first cases of COVID-19 were detected at the turn of the new year.

United Kingdom

'New COVID variant' spreading rapidly in southeast England

Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirms over 1,000 cases of 'new mutation' has caused a faster spread of coronavirus in southeast England, as tighter restrictions are announced in London

Europe News

Clown doctors show laughter is the best medicine, but they need help

Some went online, others also performed in front of windows, balconies and courtyards. Europe's clown doctors even used hydraulic lifts to reach patients on the upper floors of clinics. But fundraising events to support such work has been hit by lockdowns.

Netherlands

Coronavirus: Netherlands begins imposing tough new five-week lockdown

Schools, nonessential shops, museums and gyms close from Tuesday. PM Mark Rutte's announcement prompted a rush of last-minute shopping.

France

COVID-19: Parts of France launch mass testing ahead of deconfinement

Areas of France have launched mass COVID-19 testing campaigns in a new attempt to try to curb the pandemic before a relaxation of measures incoming ahead of the holidays.

Italy

Italy surpasses UK to record worst coronavirus death toll in Europe

While the way coronavirus deaths are recorded in both countries differs, Italy has now overtaken the UK as the worst hit country in Europe, according to the latest figures released on Sunday.

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COVID-19 vaccine set to be distributed throughout the US

Dry ice, shipping labels and packing tape were on hand as workers in face masks and gloves prepared the packages of vaccine doses.

Germany

Germany to close businesses and schools in COVID-19 lockdown

German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that schools and non-essential businesses will close from Wednesday through January 10 to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Albania

Fresh clashes in Tirana over death of man shot by police during curfew

The clashes are becoming a flashpoint between the Socialist government and the centre-right opposition party who have demanded the prime minister's resignation.

South Korea

South Korea reports biggest daily jump in COVID-19 cases

South Korea reported its biggest daily jump in COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

USA

US to begin rollout of authorised Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine

The US Food and Drug Administration authorised the emergency use of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, which will be the first coronavirus vaccine distributed in the country.

Europe News

'Safety and quality' of COVID-19 vaccine top priority, says EMA chief

Emer Cooke, who has taken up the role as the new director of the European Medicines Agency, is heading the body whose top priority is approving a coronavirus vaccine. It's a heavy responsibility.

My Europe Series

COVID-19 has created a new poverty class in Europe

In this edition of Unreported Europe, we look at how Spain and Austria have been affected by the 'new poverty' created by the pandemic. We speak to people whose lives have been turned upside by the virus.

Germany

Germany pondering new lockdown amid spike in COVID-19 cases and deaths

Bavarian Minister-President Markus Soeder called for the country to be "shut down" for the next few weeks.

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Virus-hit Cyprus shuts hospitality and restaurants for holiday season

The measures were set to span the Christmas holidays and will stay in force until December 31.

United Kingdom

GSK-Sanofi says its COVID-19 vaccine won't be ready until late 2021

The companies said in a statement that "insufficient response in older adults demonstrates the need to refine concentration of antigen in order to provide high-level response across all age groups."