English

More about this topic

This will impact your life

Europeans have decided COVID-19 is over. It isn't.

In a short space of time, governments have lifted most restrictions meant to contain the deadly virus.

Work

Work remotely from anywhere, forever, Airbnb tells employees

Most staff will be able to live where they like and only go to the office if they choose to.

Italy

Italy and Greece relax some COVID restrictions ahead of tourist season

Greece has lifted COVID rules for international and domestic flights while Italy has done away with its health pass.

China

China's 'zero-COVID' restrictions curb May 1 holiday travel

China is sticking to a strict “zero-COVID” policy even as many other countries are easing restrictions and seeing if they can live with the virus.

ADVERTISEMENT

Health news

XE variant: What we know about the new COVID strain found in England

Scientists think this hybrid variant combining two strains of Omicron may be even more infectious with more than a thousand confirmed cases.

No Comment

No Comment videos of the week

No agenda, no slant. Get the picture without the commentary.

Green News

Why climate change could cause the next pandemic

As animals are forced to migrate due to rising temperatures the effects could be catastrophic for humans and animals alike.

Travel News

Hong Kong is finally reopening to tourists - but there’s a catch

Testing, quarantine and the threat of flight chaos are likely to stop tourists rushing to back to Hong Kong for now.

Health news

EU says up to 80% of population has now been infected by COVID

While the number of infections and deaths from COVID is dropping, EU member states are being urged to step up vaccinations, particularly for children.

Experiences

Watch: Rio Carnival parade makes an emotional return in Brazil

Locals were delighted to welcome carnival floats back to Rio de Janeiro and São Paolo.

Travel News

Do you count as vaccinated in these top European holiday destinations?

Minor differences in what counts as vaccinated can lead to major problems when you arrive at the border.

No Comment

Beijing residents queue for tests

Beijing on Tuesday launched mass coronavirus testing for nearly all its 21 million residents, as fears grew that the Chinese capital may be placed under a strict lockdown like Shanghai.

No Comment

35th International Kite Festival kicks off in Berck, France

After two years of absence because of Covid, the sky of Berck-sur-Mer, on the Opal Coast, once again has kites and visitors for the 35th edition of the International Kite Festival.

Spain

Spain lifts some facemask rules, Cyprus to ease COVID measures

Masks will still be mandatory for visitors and staff in Spanish medical centres and nursing homes, as well as on public transport.

China

Shanghai allows 4 million out of homes as virus rules ease

China’s case numbers in its latest infection surge are relatively low, but the ruling party is enforcing a “zero-COVID” strategy that has shut down major cities to isolate every case.

Travel News

Hong Kong's quarantine hotels are creating mountains of plastic waste

A zero-COVID policy means everything from remotes to pillows and food has to be wrapped in plastic.

Health news

Mental health a factor in risk of breakthrough COVID infection - study

Vaccinated patients over the age of 65 with a history of certain mental health conditions were found to be at higher risk of breakthrough infection

China

Frustration in Shanghai over COVID-19 lockdown policy

As Shanghai and other cities shut down to fight coronavirus outbreaks, China faces sinking economic growth.

Health news

No more swabs? US approves its first COVID breath test

The InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyzer is 91.2 per cent accurate at identifying positive samples and 99.3 per cent accurate with negative samples, according to the FDA.

Destinations

Will a digital nomad visa boost tourism in South Africa?

The country is set to introduce a digital nomad visa, but is it prepared for an influx of tourists?