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Portugal

Portugal probes local transmission of omicron variant in football club

Portuguese health authorities identified 13 cases of the omicron coronavirus variant among members of a professional football club.

USA

New COVID-19 variant cause for concern, not panic, Biden tells US

US President Joe Biden called the new coronavirus variant omicron a cause for concern but “not a cause for panic". He said he was not considering any widespread lockdown.

Travel News

Cheap PCR tests are advertised for less than £1. But are they a scam?

Tests on the UK government's approved list of providers are being offered for as little as 95p but these options might not be suitable for all travellers.

Travel News

UK travel rules on one day trips and connecting flights explained

Following the Omicron variant, travellers to the UK face a tighter set of rules. Here we take a look at some of the grey areas.

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Europe Decoded

As pandemic worsens, Portugal re-imposes COVID-19 travel restrictions

Under new rules, entry to Portugal will be subject to a negative coronavirus test, even for fully vaccinated EU travellers.

Switzerland

Switzerland votes to improve working conditions for nurses

"Through this vote, which was an overwhelming democratic mandate, the people have spoken," said Howard Catton, CEO of the International Council of Nurses.

United Kingdom

Omicron: Booster shots to be available to all adults in the UK

Scientists in the UK have advised that all adults should now be included in the COVID-19 booster jab campaign in the wake of the spread of the Omicron variant.

Health news

Omicron variant poses 'very high' global risk, WHO says

The World Health Organization says the new Omicron strain of COVID-19 poses a 'very high' risk, but that much is still unknown about it. Here's what we know so far.

Health news

Nurses call for COVID vaccine patents to be lifted as Omicron spreads

Nursing unions representing 2.5 million healthcare workers called on the UN to back a move that supporters say will make vaccines cheaper and easier to produce.

World News

WHO members eye pandemic preparation as new variant emerges

The World Health Organization opened a special session of member states to discuss ways to better prepare globally to fight pandemics like COVID-19.

Netherlands

Couple arrested in Netherlands after escaping COVID hotel quarantine

A couple was arrested at the airport in Amsterdam after they fled hotel quarantine.

No Comment

Mexico's iconic Los Angeles dance hall reopens

Mexico City's iconic Los Angeles dance hall reopens after the easing of Covid-19 related restrictions. Revellers return to the dancefloor to the sound of mambo.

World News

Euroviews. Let's celebrate Mediterranean unity ahead of shared challenges | View

Today is the first International Day of the Mediterranean, celebrating diversity and cooperation between 42 member states in the region. Union for the Mediterranean Secretary-General Nasser Karmel reflects on an unprecedented year, and the challenges that lie ahead.

World News

France mulls some autonomy for Caribbean territories amid COVID riots

The recent tensions in Guadeloupe and Martinique started because of France's obligatory vaccinations for health care workers, and nationwide health pass to get into restaurants and other venues.

Travel News

South Africa slams travel bans over Omicron variant as 'unjustified'

South Africa's health minister says the travel bans over the new Omicron variant first detected in his country are "draconian", "unjustified," and contrary to WHO guidance.

Switzerland

Swiss voters back COVID-19 pass in bid to tackle rise in infections

62 per cent of Swiss voters backed a controversial COVID certificate in a national referendum on Sunday, official results showed.

Travel News

New COVID variant Omicron prompts fresh travel curbs across the world

From Asia-Pacific to North Africa and the Middle East, here is a round-up of the latest travel restrictions prompted by concerns over the Omicron variant of coronavirus.

Travel News

Italy ski slopes reopen after 2020 closure, France to follow suit

Regulations require a health pass to access areas with closed lifts in Italian resorts.

Business

COVID fears dampen trade at Europe's Christmas markets

The traditional holiday tree is standing tall in Frankfurt’s main square - but trade is quiet at the annual Christmas market. Covid fears and sanitary restrictions mean business is down 50% on two years ago. Many stall owners though are just glad to be open at all.

Health news

Could a nasal spray be the solution to preventing and treating COVID?

Trials are underway in the UK on a COVID nasal spray called pHOXWELL which researchers believe is capable of stopping any variant of concern.