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Travel News

Is it safe to travel if you’re over 60?

The World Health Organisation revised its advice to older travellers, but says the school holidays pose a risk to grandparents.

Germany

Germany's incoming chancellor backs mandatory COVID vaccination

Germany's incoming chancellor, Olaf Scholz, said he will back a proposal to mandate coronavirus vaccinations for everybody next year.

World News

Brazil and Japan report first cases of the omicron variant

Brazil and Japan joined the rapidly widening circle of countries to report cases of the omicron variant. It was already present in Europe nearly two weeks ago, the Netherlands found.

Travel News

Are the UK travel rules likely to change again?

More countries could be added to the red list before the next review, as Scotland and Wales call for a "four nations" approach.

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World News

Euroviews. Street vendors are essential workers. Where are our rights? | View

Street vendors in Europe and beyond were active agents of public health and mobilised to support the most vulnerable during the pandemic. They and other informal workers deserve a seat at the table, says Streetnet International president Lorraine Sibanda.

Greece

COVID in Europe: Portuguese hospital worker tests positive for Omicron

A hospital worker in Portugal tested positive for the new COVID-19 variant, forcing the paediatric services unit to close. New restrictions have also entered into force in Portugal and other European countries.

Health news

COVID vaccines less effective on Omicron, warns Moderna boss

The vaccine maker said the large number of mutations in the newly-identified Omicron variant could make it more resistant to current COVID vaccines.

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.

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.