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China

China's birth rate drops to a record low

Changes to the strict "one-child policy" since 2016 have failed to result in a hoped-for baby boom

France

Foreign sports stars must be jabbed to compete in France - minister

It comes after the debacle in Australia over Novak Djokovic's visa.

Greece

Greece begins fining those over 60 who are unvaccinated

The fine will rise to €100 in February.

Work

Apple requires staff to show COVID booster proof amid Omicron surge

Starting January 24, unvaccinated employees or those who haven't submitted proof of vaccination will need negative COVID tests to enter workplaces.

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World News

'Billionaire bonanza': Wealth of 10 richest men 'doubled during COVID'

The anti-poverty NGO called for governments to improve wealth distribution and to end the "shameful vaccine apartheid".

France

France: Virus law banning unvaccinated from public venues passed

The new law requires full vaccination to go to restaurants, movie theatres, museums, and many sites throughout the country.

Austria

Austria tweaks plans over being first in EU to make vaccines mandatory

“Without obligatory vaccination, we will always lag behind,” said Austria's health minister Wolfgang Mueckstein.

Portugal

Campaigning gets underway ahead of Portugal election

The vote comes two years ahead of schedule as the country’s president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa called an early election after the parliament failed to pass the new budget.

Denmark

Denmark lifts COVID restrictions despite Omicron spread

Cinemas, zoos, museums, and theatres are among the places that could welcome visitors again.

World News

Omicron exposed European health care systems' flaws, experts claim

Two years into the pandemic, Omicron's effect on medical facilities has many reevaluating the resilience of public health systems that are considered essential to providing equal care.

Serbia

Novak Djokovic lands in Serbia after losing Australia visa fight

The tennis world No 1's hopes of defending his Australian Open title and winning a record 21st Grand Slam came to an end as Novak Djokovic left Melbourne for Belgrade via Dubai.

Netherlands

France requirement for triple-vaccination COVID pass begins

More than half a million French people will find their vaccination health pass no longer works from January 15.

Czech Republic

Czech Republic to let some workers stay on after testing positive

The new Czech government will allow some workers who have tested positive for COVID-19 to stay on the job.

Netherlands

Dutch government eases lockdown, opening shops, gyms and hairdressers

Shops, hairdressers and gyms will be allowed to reopen in the Netherlands but bars and restaurants must stay closed, the Dutch government said.

Health news

Can COVID shrink penises? Man claims virus shortened his by 1.5 inches

It may seem like a wild claim but there is evidence to suggest this kind of vascular damage may be a symptom of "Long COVID".

Poland

Doctors resign from Poland's COVID council over government 'inaction'

13 of the 17 members of the Prime Minister's dedicated council have stepped down.

No Comment

India: Thousands take holy dip in Ganges amid COVID fears

Hundreds of thousands of Indian pilgrims begin packing an island in the Ganges for a vast religious festival as Covid-19 cases surge nationwide.

Tech News

Online child sexual abuse rose to record levels in 2021, says watchdog

Child safety experts say younger children have been relying more and more on the internet during the pandemic and this is leaving them more vulnerable to online sexual exploitation.

Health news

Scientists argue more European cooperation needed to contain Omicron

A group of health professionals and researchers are calling for a coordinated European approach to stop the Omicron surge.

Health news

Polish scientists find gene that doubles risk of serious COVID

Researchers believe the study could help persuade people who are hesitant about getting a COVID vaccine to get their jabs.