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Italy

Unvaccinated banned from Italian bars, restaurants, public transport

The latest restriction comes as COVID-19 infections are soaring past 100,000 per day in the southern European country.

Vatican

Pope Francis says COVID-19 vaccination is a 'moral obligation'

Francis also lamented that increasing "ideological divides" were discouraging people from getting vaccinated.

Health news

Catching a cold can help fight off COVID, new study finds

Researchers found that the body's immune response to some common colds helped fight off COVID-19 infection, but warned that it was not a reliable form of protection on its own.

Netherlands

'Phone hasn't stopped': Dutch doctor's vaccine helpline is overwhelmed

The 'Twijfeltelefoon' (Vaccine hotline) service first launched in Rotterdam on 23 November and has since spread to other cities. It receives an average of 1,000 calls per day.

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Australia

Djokovic wins appeal against visa cancellation but outcome uncertain

The tennis star and his family have welcomed the judge's decision, but the government is considering overruling the move which could still see him deported.

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Children in Cologne given COVID jabs in aeroplane

Cologne/Bonn Airport offered an unusual vaccination experience, by converting a Airbus A300 Zero G plane into a vaccination center for children aged 5 to 11. After getting their jab, children and parents were given a tour of the plane's cockpit and a chance to take photographs.

United Kingdom

UK health advisors say 'no immediate need' for fourth COVID jab

The UK Health Security Agency recommended against giving a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose to the most vulnerable, stating that the need for further doses would continue to be reviewed.

France

France's railway company cuts trains amid COVID-19 crisis

France's national railway company, the SNCF, will cut 10% of its high-speed trains and 20% of other main line trains from next week, a spokesperson said on Friday.

No Comment

Panama vaccinates children against Covid-19 amid surge in cases

Panama starts vaccinating children between the ages of five and eleven against Covid-19, in an effort to resume in-person learning at schools amid a new surge in cases.

France

French President Macron defends remarks about unvaccinated

Emmanuel Macron defended his controversial remarks about his strategy to encourage people to get the jab.

Romania

New COVID-19 measures in Romania as infections surge

Face masks will be mandatory and bars and restaurants will operate at 50% or 30% capacity as part of the new measures.

Australia

Djokovic received medical exemption after having COVID-19, lawyers say

Novak Djokovic was exempted from Australia's COVID-19 vaccination rules because he tested positive for the virus, lawyers said in a court document.

Health news

Omicron may be 105% more transmissible than Delta, new research says

The Omicron COVID variant has been spreading rapidly around the world since it was first identified at the end of November.

Travel News

Thailand: Travel restrictions tighten after spread of omicron variant

The country is tightening some restrictions and expanding its 'sandbox' quarantine programme.

World News

Omicron is 'killing people' and should not be called 'mild', WHO warns

A record 9.5 million COVID-19 infections were reported across the world over the previous week — a 71% increase on the previous seven-day period.

My Europe Series

Meet the self-proclaimed Jihadist leading Croatia's anti-vaxxers

Marko Francišković became the unexpected leader of Croatia's massive anti-vaccination movement. Now, he is facing charges for terrorism -- but not due to his fundamentalist ideas.

Poland

Far-right party banned from Facebook over alleged COVID disinformation

"I believe that this decision sets a dangerous precedent," said Poland's secretary of state for cybersecurity.

Culture news

Cancellation of London's VAULT Festival lamented by theatre community

Once again, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the cancellation of VAULT Festival, London's annual celebration of the performing arts. With little or no government support, artists and organisers discuss the current state of British theatre.

Italy

Italy introduces mandatory COVID vaccination for the over 50s

It comes with COVID infections surging to record levels.

France

French MPs approve vaccine pass law after initial government rebuke

Under the bill, a negative COVID-19 test will no longer grant access to most public venues.