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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.

Travel News

How contactless tech will transform travel in 2022

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

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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.

Japan

Japan widens virus restrictions as omicron surges in cities

Restaurants and bars will close early in Tokyo and a dozen other areas across Japan as the country widens COVID-19 restrictions.

World News

'World must demand the rich pay their fair share', say millionaires

"The world – every country in it – must demand the rich pay their fair share," millionaires from the US, UK, Germany, Canada, Denmark, Austria, the Netherlands, Norway, and Iran wrote in an open letter.

Art

Dutch concert halls reopen as hair salons in COVID-19 lockdown protest

The move saw people getting their nails done in front of Van Gogh paintings and haircuts given as the Concertgebouw orchestra performed.

France

COVID-19: French teachers' unions call for renewed strike action

The new strike on Thursday is a prelude to a "massive" nationwide walkout on January 27.

Travel News

Travel bans and vaccination proof no longer needed, advises WHO

The World Health Organisation has made a new statement about the future of international travel bans.

Health news

Immunity better against COVID Delta variant than vaccines - new study

The new study published by the CDC found that people who had been infected by COVID but not vaccinated had a lower risk of getting the Delta variant.

Canada

COVID-19: Quebec introduces new restrictions for the unvaccinated

From now on, liquor and cannabis stores are only accessible to people who are vaccinated against COVID-19.

New Zealand

New Zealand says it won't use lockdowns when Omicron spreads

“This stage of the pandemic is different to what we have dealt with before. Omicron is more transmissible," Ardern said. “That is going to make it harder to keep it out, but it will also make it more challenging to control once it arrives. But just like before, when COVID changes, we change.”

Portugal

Portugal: Quarantined voters allowed to vote in polling stations

Two-thirds of the 600,000 people quarantining are potential voters.

Health news

'Nocebo effect' cause of most COVID vaccine side effects, study says

Researchers say many of the common COVID vaccine side effects could actually be down to the "nocebo effect," the negative placebo effect.

Art

Tracey Emin requests removal of art gift from PM Johnson's residence

The renowned British modern artist is no longer happy with her work hanging in the prime minister's official residence.