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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.

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Travel News

Where can Americans travel to in Europe right now?

These are all the European countries where American citizens are welcome right now.

Health news

Inmates sue after receiving Ivermectin to treat COVID without consent

Four inmates in the US state of Arkansas claim they were given Ivermectin after testing positive for COVID, but they say they were told that it was vitamins, antibiotics or steroids.

World News

COVID-19 in Europe: Record daily cases in Russia, Poland, and Romania

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

Czech Republic

Czech singer dies after intentionally catching COVID for a health pass

Hana Horka's son said that anti-vax campaigners had 'blood on their hands'.

United Kingdom

'In the name of God, go': Tory MP tells Johnson amid parties scandal

At Prime Minister's Questions, one Conservative MP defected to Labour as another called on Boris Johnson to step down.

Travel News

Woman says she was kicked off plane for removing mask to drink water

Southwest Airlines had no immediate comment, having yet to review the complaint.

Culture news

Groundbreaking concert will showcase symphony recorded in isolation

Mahler's eighth symphony is renowned for requiring large amounts of musicians. This will be the first performance of the piece since the pandemic started.

United Kingdom

'Nobody told me' Downing Street party broke COVID rules, Johnson says

The so-called "Partygate" has damaged Johnson's credibility and weakened his leadership as his MPs discuss a possible ouster.

World News

Pandemic is 'nowhere near over', World Health Organization warns

The pandemic is "nowhere near over" and new variants are likely to continue emerging after Omicron, the World Health Organization warned.

France

France's education minister faces calls to resign over Ibiza trip

It has emerged that education minister Jean-Michel Blanquer was on holiday earlier this month when he announced new strict rules for French schools.

Spain

Spain to treat COVID-19 as an endemic illness instead of pandemic

The country has seen its COVID-19 fatality rate fall from an initial 13% to 1%, and according to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez "the virus is no longer so deadly".

Russia

Russia shortens COVID-19 isolation to 7 days as cases surge

Russian authorities are shortening the required isolation period for people infected with COVID-19 from 14 to seven days amid a surge of COVID-19 cases.

China

Hong Kong to kill 2,000 small animals after hamsters get COVID-19

Hong Kong authorities said that they will kill about 2,000 small animals, including hamsters, after several tested positive for COVID-19 at a pet store where an employee was also infected.

Russia

COVID-19: Russia's capital Moscow braces for Omicron 'storm'

Health authorities warn Moscow will be the first to face the Omicron "storm" forecasted between late January amd early February.

Health news

Get ready for yearly COVID-flu combo vaccines, say Moderna and Pfizer

Vaccine maker Moderna predicted that its seasonal COVID and flu boosters would be available in some countries within the next two years.

United Kingdom

UK to freeze BBC licence fee for two years amid 'partygate' scandal

The UK said it would freeze the BBC's licence fee while the opposition claimed the move was meant to create a distraction from the prime minister's current scandals.