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World News

G20 leaders at Rome summit pledge more vaccines for poorer countries

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced 1.3 billion doses of vaccine will be delivered by Europe alone to low-income countries

World

'Rethink or avoid international travel' says WHO, despite vaccinations

EU travellers will be allowed to get a travel certificate if they can prove they had been vaccinated, tested negative for the virus or have proof they've recovered from it. But despite the boost given by Brussels, the WHO is warning people to rethink or avoid international travel.

Denmark

Denmark offers AstraZeneca and J&J COVID-19 vaccines to volunteers

Denmark has opened an optional scheme to volunteers who would like to receive the unwanted COVID-19 vaccines developed by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.

World News

Indian variant fears raise questions over easing of restrictions

The number of confirmed cases of the Indian strain hit more than 3,400 on Thursday, a rise of 2,000 in just a week.

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France

France opens COVID-19 vaccination to all adults from May 31

All adults in France will be able to get their COVID-19 jabs from May 31, Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Thursday.

World News

Nine billionaires created by discovery of COVID-19 vaccines, say NGOs

The new billionaires include five people associated with Moderna and three from CanSino Biologics, a Chinese vaccine company.

World News

EU and Pfizer sign deal for extra 1.8 million COVID-19 vaccine doses

Brussels and Pfizer sign deal for additional 1.8 million COVID-19 vaccine doses

World

Spanish football recovery: Up to 5,000 fans heading to La Liga games

Crowds are welcome to football stadiums after more than a year of games played closed behind doors due to COVID-19. Fans are back at the venues in Spain, but with restrictions on capacity and social distancing.

Germany

German vaccine tsar: everyone may need a third dose next year

The head of Germany's Standing Committee on Vaccination says the country must prepare for the possibility that all citizens will need a third 'booster' dose of vaccine in 12 months' time.

World News

Delay COVID jabs for kids and donate vaccines, WHO tells rich nations

The WHO Director-General warned on Friday that the second year of the pandemic could be deadlier than the first and said vaccinating at-risk groups worldwide should be the priority.

United Kingdom

UK to ease COVID rules but warns Indian variant could disrupt progress

The British prime minister said the variant, which has killed at least four people in the UK, could pose "a serious disruption" to removing restrictions in June.

Lithuania

Lithuania to donate 200,000 vaccines to Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine

The news was welcomed on Twitter by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Turkey

Turkey's tourism minister faces calls to resign over 'insulting' video

Turkey is currently on a drive to promote foreign tourism. But this is resulting in unfair prioritisation of vaccinations and restrictions which discriminate against Turks.

World

Hungary first EU country to allow COVID-19 vaccine from 16

Teenagers are getting the COVID-19 vaccine in Hungary - the first EU nation to allow it from the age of 16. Children from 12 are getting it in Canada, Israel, UAE and US.

World News

Over a quarter of EU adults 'unlikely' to get COVID vaccine: Survey

Eurofound found that people who use social media as their main source of information are more sceptical about the vaccine than those who use traditional news sources.

USA

'Great day for America' as fully vaccinated allowed to shed masks

Fully vaccinated people in the US can stop wearing masks, authorities announced on Thursday. The guidance still calls for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters.

World News

EMA: mRNA COVID vaccines appear effective against Indian variant

Both Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna used mRNA technology for their COVID-19 jabs.

Sweden

Foreign-born citizens less likely to be vaccinated in Sweden & Norway

Official statistics show that foreign-born citizens elderly citizens in Sweden and Norway are much less likely to have received a COVID-19 vaccine.

France

French lawmakers approve COVID-19 health pass to reopen economy

A bill over the creation of a health pass was approved by French MPs in the night from Tuesday to Wednesday but the government was forced to make amendments.

Slovakia

Slovakia suspends use of the AstraZeneca jab for first vaccinations

Slovakia suspends use of the AstraZeneca jab for first-time vaccinations