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Health news

Do COVID vaccine mandates work? Early studies suggest they do

As Austria mandates COVID vaccines and Germany debates following suit, the early research suggests that announcing a vaccine mandate can boost the number of people getting the jabs.

Health news

Patient without COVID vaccine denied heart transplant by US hospital

The Boston hospital said it is their policy that all transplant patients be COVID vaccinated because of the higher risks of them dying from the virus.

Culture news

Spotify removes Neil Young's music in COVID conspiracy theory row

The musician threatened the removal of his material from the platform in protest against content featured in comedian Joe Rogan's podcast that spotlighted a well known COVID-19 conspiracy theorist.

Europe Decoded

Germany mulls banning Telegram app, accused of aiding hate speech

As Germany starts debating whether to make the Covid vaccine mandatory, it is also considering banning the messenger app Telegram, a hotbed for conspiracy theorists.

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Health news

COVID with Omicron is less severe than Delta, new study finds

The study from the US shows that there were shorter hospital stays, less need of intensive care and fewer deaths with Omicron.

Health news

Pfizer/BioNTech to start clinical trials on new Omicron COVID vaccine

A new formulation of the COVID-19 jab based on the highly infectious Omicron variant is now in clinical trials, the drugmakers said on Tuesday

Culture news

Neil Young demands exit from Spotify due to COVID 'conspiracy'

In an open letter Young criticised Joe Rogan's podcast which is exclusively hosted on Spotify for spreading misinformation.

France

France's 'vaccine pass' enters into force amid Omicron surge

France will restrict the unvaccinated from leisure activities, restaurants and interregional transportation from Monday.

Russia

Russia: Omicron cases triple in 10 days, authorities ponder measures

Friday's daily tally 49,513 new infections -- the highest in the pandemic -- was higher by more than 49,513 new infections compared the previous day.

USA

Booster shots needed against Omicron, US CDC studies show

Three studies released on Friday offered more evidence that COVID-19 vaccines are standing up to the Omicron variant, at least among people who received booster shots.

Health news

Immunity better against COVID Delta variant than vaccines - new study

The new study published by the CDC found that people who had been infected by COVID but not vaccinated had a lower risk of getting the Delta variant.

Health news

'Nocebo effect' cause of most COVID vaccine side effects, study says

Researchers say many of the common COVID vaccine side effects could actually be down to the "nocebo effect," the negative placebo effect.

World News

Pandemic is 'nowhere near over', World Health Organization warns

The pandemic is "nowhere near over" and new variants are likely to continue emerging after Omicron, the World Health Organization warned.

Health news

Get ready for yearly COVID-flu combo vaccines, say Moderna and Pfizer

Vaccine maker Moderna predicted that its seasonal COVID and flu boosters would be available in some countries within the next two years.

France

Foreign sports stars must be jabbed to compete in France - minister

It comes after the debacle in Australia over Novak Djokovic's visa.

Austria

Austria tweaks plans over being first in EU to make vaccines mandatory

“Without obligatory vaccination, we will always lag behind,” said Austria's health minister Wolfgang Mueckstein.

Italy

Nurse arrested in Italy after 'faking COVID vaccinations'

Police in Italy say they have arrested a nurse in Sicily suspected of carrying out fake vaccinations for people to obtain a certificate without being jabbed

Netherlands

Dutch government eases lockdown, opening shops, gyms and hairdressers

Shops, hairdressers and gyms will be allowed to reopen in the Netherlands but bars and restaurants must stay closed, the Dutch government said.

Health news

Polish scientists find gene that doubles risk of serious COVID

Researchers believe the study could help persuade people who are hesitant about getting a COVID vaccine to get their jabs.

USA

Supreme Court halts COVID-19 vaccine rule for US businesses

The Supreme Court has stopped the Biden administration from enforcing a requirement that employees at large businesses be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing and wear a mask on the job.