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Culture news

Neil Young demands exit from Spotify due to COVID 'conspiracy'

In an open letter Young criticised Joe Rogan's podcast which is exclusively hosted on Spotify for spreading misinformation.

United Kingdom

Police to investigate lockdown parties at the heart of UK government

The parties in Downing Street, which have caused outrage and sparked calls for Boris Johnson to resign, are already being investigated by a senior civil servant.

United Kingdom

Lockdown birthday party claim increases pressure on Boris Johnson

The new allegation that a short birthday bash was held for the prime minister is the latest in a string of accusations of Downing Street gatherings that are being investigated.

Health news

Omicron survives up to 8 days on plastic surfaces, new study finds

The Japanese researchers found Omicron can last up to eight days on plastic surfaces and 21 hours on skin.

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World News

COVID-19 in Europe: Germany maintains restrictions as infections rise

Several countries in Europe are still registering a record number of COVID-19 infections — here is our summary of the situation across the continent.

Sport

Delegates from over 20 countries arrive at Winter Olympics villages

The Beijing Winter Olympics gets underway on 4 February.

Italy

Voting begins in Italian presidential election amid COVID-19 pandemic

Italy's next president will have an important role in acting as a neutral referee among the various parties — as Italy struggles to emerge from the pandemic — and will work to enact reforms to help the recovery and boost economic growth.

World News

Europe could be moving towards 'a kind of pandemic endgame', says WHO

Europe could be moving towards a kind of pandemic endgame, said WHO's Europe director Hans Kluge. But, he added, it is too early to call COVID an endemic.

United Kingdom

'I'm struggling big time': More turn to food banks as inflation soars

"I normally put something in the foodbank trolley but now it's my turn to need some help," said 45-year-old Heidi, who said she was struggling with price rises on "just everything".

USA

Thousands protest COVID measures in Washington, Brussels and Barcelona

From health passes to vaccine mandates, protesters were out in force this weekend.

Culture news

Oscars 2022: Whirlwind doc portrays 'First Wave' of COVID-19 crisis

Emmy-winning Matthew Heineman spent the first three months of the pandemic in one of New York City's most overstretched hospitals. His tale of resilience and despair is now in contention for the biggest accolade in film.

Culture news

Wuhan documentary following volunteers during 2020 COVID pandemic

'Wuhan, I Am Here', a documentary directed by Lan Bo, follows local volunteers helping non-COVID patients, during the early 2020 lockdown in Wuhan

France

France's 'vaccine pass' enters into force amid Omicron surge

France will restrict the unvaccinated from leisure activities, restaurants and interregional transportation from Monday.

World News

COVID-19 vaccine passport protests in Europe draw thousands of people

Thousands of people demonstrated in European capitals on Saturday against vaccine passports and other measures imposed to tackle the pandemic.

People

How contactless tech will transform travel in 2022

Seamless biometric technologies are the future, according to one travel expert.

Poland

Poland's ex-president and Solidarity leader Walesa contracts COVID

The 78-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate said on Facebook that he tested positive for COVID-19 despite being triple-vaccinated.

Russia

Russia: Omicron cases triple in 10 days, authorities ponder measures

Friday's daily tally 49,513 new infections -- the highest in the pandemic -- was higher by more than 49,513 new infections compared the previous day.

USA

Booster shots needed against Omicron, US CDC studies show

Three studies released on Friday offered more evidence that COVID-19 vaccines are standing up to the Omicron variant, at least among people who received booster shots.

My Europe Series

'No tests, everyone is sick': Bosnia faces its biggest COVID crisis

As authorities shift blame, the lack of a clear strategy to handle the most recent spike of the Omicron variant has Bosnians unsure of how to act.

Culture news

Adele postpones Las Vegas residency due to Omicron fears

The singer made a tearful apology to fans as the dates were postponed because of sickness in her crew members.