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."

11 December 2020

No Comment

Filipinos head to Christmas parks for festive cheer amid the pandemic

The country has one of the world's longest festive seasons, that kicks off in September, but this year Christmas parties and mass gatherings are banned.

11 December 2020

Sweden

Sweden to text every phone in country about new Christmas COVID rules

Sweden's mass SMS campaign will be sent on December 14 when new coronavirus restrictions come into force.

11 December 2020

Europe

Do we need 'vaccine passports' to get Europe moving again?

The rollout of a viable coronavirus vaccine is bringing hope that the end of the pandemic is in sight. It will likely be months before normality returns. Could "vaccine passports" be the way forward to kickstart international travel and the global economy?

11 December 2020

Italy

First quarantine-free flight from JFK to Fiumicino arrives in Rome

Passengers had to prove they had tested negative for COVID-19 before they departed -- and they were tested again upon landing.

11 December 2020

France

New Year's Peeve? France to impose nighttime curfew on December 31

The curfew will be in place from 20h to 6h and even on New Year's Eve.

10 December 2020

Europe News

EU agrees €1.8 tr budget - but what brought Hungary & Poland onboard?

The €1.8 trillion package includes the EU's seven-year budget (€1.1 tr) and the €750 billion COVID-19 recovery fund.

10 December 2020

No Comment

Mural in Mexico honours nurses helping in fight against COVID-19

"It's a beautiful feeling," said one nurse upon seeing the mural in Mexico City, which is over 100 metres long.

10 December 2020

Europe

How has Finland's female-led government fared in its first year?

Finland's coalition government is made up of five parties - all led by women.

10 December 2020

Focus

Football for Friendship goes digital

In partnership with Gazprom

Football for Friendship is an International Children’s Social Programme which unites kids worldwide. Its aim is for kids to share their experiences, meet new friends and learn from one another whilst promoting a health and human values.

10 December 2020

Russia

Vaccine or vodka? Russians told to choose their shot

Health authorities say the Sputnik V vaccine — which requires two shots three weeks apart — is not effective if booze is consumed.

10 December 2020

USA

US records the world's highest daily death toll from COVID-19

The tally from Johns Hopkins University showed on Wednesday that an additional 3,054 people died from the novel coronavirus in 24 hours in the US.

10 December 2020

Travel News

Britons could face COVID travel ban to EU countries from January 1

Due to the end of the Brexit transition period, the UK will no longer be exempt from COVID-related travel curbs within the bloc.

10 December 2020

Europe News

EU summit in Brussels: Five key things to look out for

In the first physical summit since October, EU leaders are set to discuss COVID-19 vaccinations, security and the bloc's budget.

10 December 2020

Europe News

Brexit and budget deadlock set to overshadow EU summit in Brussels

It's crunch time in Brussels, as European leaders meet physically for the first time since October.

9 December 2020

Germany

Germany sets general election date and an end to the Merkel era

Angela Merkel is the second longest-serving German chancellor.

9 December 2020

Europe News

EU-African Union meeting postponed for a second time

It was postponed in October due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

9 December 2020

United Kingdom

Pfizer vaccine: UK issues allergy warning after nurses have reaction

The governing body for vaccines in the UK has issued new advice after two British nurses experienced anaphylactoid reactions to the Pfizer vaccine.

9 December 2020

United Kingdom

'He's absolutely stuck': UK PM skewered ahead of Brexit dinner date

UK PM Boris Johnson is set for crucial Brexit trade deal talks with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen over dinner in Brussels tonight.

9 December 2020

Germany

Merkel calls for new restrictions across Germany to curb COVID cases

The German Chancellor backs scientists' recommendations for tighter lockdown measures.

9 December 2020