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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.

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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.

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.