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France

Macron wants to annoy France's COVID unvaccinated 'to the bitter end'

The French president turned on the country's five million unvaccinated in a newspaper interview, in a move seen as further politicising the pandemic debate.

Culture news

Madrid's COVID-hit 'La Boheme' replaces both casts in just 24 hours

The opera encountered staggering complications when members of both cast rotations tested positive, forcing them to get creative.

Italy

Dozens of passengers leave cruise ship in Italy after COVID outbreak

Italian media reported there were 150 positive cases on board the cruise ship.

USA

US FDA expands Pfizer boosters for more teens amid Omicron surge

Boosters already are recommended for everyone 16 and older, and federal regulators on Monday decided they're also warranted for 12- to 15-year-olds once enough time has passed since their last dose.

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Berlin nightclubs support vaccination campaign

The Berlin club scene began supporting the vaccination campaign in the German capital on Monday, opening its doors to welcome vaccinators.

Portugal

3,000 passengers disembark from stranded cruise ship in Lisbon

At least 64 people tested positive for the virus while on the ship, which is owned by the German company Aida Cruises.

Health news

What is Flurona? The first case of COVID and flu double infection

The first case of a mix of the two diseases COVID-19 and influenza, dubbed "Flurona", has been recorded in Israel.

Travel News

France updates its Eurotunnel rules for Brits with EU homes

UK nationals with homes in Europe can now drive through France, but only under certain conditions.

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India begins vaccinating teens as virus cases spike

India begins vaccinating adolescents aged 15-18 with the WHO-approved Covaxin vaccine as omicron cases rise in the country.

Health news

How will the COVID pandemic end in the wake of Omicron?

“We’re never going to be able to eradicate or eliminate COVID, so we have to identify our goals," said Dr.Albert Ko, an infectious disease specialist at the Yale School of Public Health.

Netherlands

Thousands gather to oppose Dutch virus measures despite ban

The 7-day rolling average of new daily cases edged slightly lower over the past week to 85.55 new cases per 100,000 people.

United Kingdom

COVID scientists, Daniel Craig get UK New Year's honours

Almost one in five of the honours were for coronavirus-related service.

United Kingdom

UK: People urged not to travel to England at New Year as Omicron rages

UK: Party-goers urged not to travel to England for New Year as Omicron rages

Work

Could France soon be making the health pass mandatory in workplaces?

French ministers have indicated that implementing a health pass to access workplaces is not off the table.

Australia

'Welcome 2022!': Sydney sees in New Year with dazzling fireworks show

The Australian city shrugged off a COVID surge with a spectacular Harbour Bridge display, while in New Zealand Auckland's celebration was a far more low-key affair.

Austria

Austrian police investigate fraud at Vienna COVID vaccination centre

Austria's largest COVID vaccination centre is under scrutiny after dozens of people received a vaccination certificate without actually getting the jab.

World News

Europe cracks down on New Year celebrations amid COVID-19 records

Across Europe, New Year celebrations are scaled down and restrictions imposed as countries experience a massive surge in coronavirus infections.

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Snow, ice close COVID test sites in Seattle-area

Amid a COVID-19 surge, health officials closed coronavirus testing sites or reduced hours in the Seattle-area because of days of snow and freezing temperatures.

Culture news

French cinemas to ban popcorn as COVID-19 restrictions tighten

In an effort to suppress an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 numbers, French cinemas will ban food and drinks from being sold in cinemas.

Italy

Italy's 2021 in review: What do Italians think of the 'Draghi effect'?

Prime Minister Mario Draghi has been credited with restoring stability and confidence in the country, but if he were to step down to become President, the newfound enthusiasm may soon end.