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World News

Poor countries refuse 100 million COVID vaccine doses set to expire

Developing countries turned away some 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines because they were about to expire, the United Nations said.

World News

COVID in Europe: Netherlands to reopen shops and hairdressers

Here's a round-up of the COVID situation across Europe.

My Europe Series

Is it counterproductive to make vaccines mandatory?

Vaccines will be mandatory in Austria from February 1. But will the move have the desired effect?

Poland

Poland latest European country to surpass 100,000 COVID-related deaths

The country, which has over 18,000 hospitalised COVID-19 patients, is expecting to see a new wave of Omicron infections in the upcoming days.

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Italy

Nurse arrested on suspicion of giving fake COVID vaccines to 45 people

Four other alleged accomplices have also been detained.

Tech News

Djokovic court hearing hit by tech glitches as music and porn played

An Australian court suffered technical difficulties while hearing the world tennis number one's virtual appeal against his visa being cancelled.

World News

Omicron in Europe is 'a west-to-east tidal wave', says WHO

Omicron is "quickly becoming the dominant virus in western Europe and is now spreading in the Balkans", said Dr Hans Kluge, regional director for WHO Europe.

Italy

Italy: new COVID rules threaten to isolate the country's islanders

Unvaccinated residents of a number of islands in the southern European country might find themselves stranded since the new regulations require the full jab to use the ferries to the mainland.

Italy

Unvaccinated banned from Italian bars, restaurants, public transport

The latest restriction comes as COVID-19 infections are soaring past 100,000 per day in the southern European country.

Health news

Catching a cold can help fight off COVID, new study finds

Researchers found that the body's immune response to some common colds helped fight off COVID-19 infection, but warned that it was not a reliable form of protection on its own.

Netherlands

'Phone hasn't stopped': Dutch doctor's vaccine helpline is overwhelmed

The 'Twijfeltelefoon' (Vaccine hotline) service first launched in Rotterdam on 23 November and has since spread to other cities. It receives an average of 1,000 calls per day.

United Kingdom

UK health advisors say 'no immediate need' for fourth COVID jab

The UK Health Security Agency recommended against giving a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose to the most vulnerable, stating that the need for further doses would continue to be reviewed.

France

French President Macron defends remarks about unvaccinated

Emmanuel Macron defended his controversial remarks about his strategy to encourage people to get the jab.

Australia

Djokovic received medical exemption after having COVID-19, lawyers say

Novak Djokovic was exempted from Australia's COVID-19 vaccination rules because he tested positive for the virus, lawyers said in a court document.

World News

Omicron is 'killing people' and should not be called 'mild', WHO warns

A record 9.5 million COVID-19 infections were reported across the world over the previous week — a 71% increase on the previous seven-day period.

Italy

Italy introduces mandatory COVID vaccination for the over 50s

It comes with COVID infections surging to record levels.

France

French MPs approve vaccine pass law after initial government rebuke

Under the bill, a negative COVID-19 test will no longer grant access to most public venues.

Travel News

Australia travel rules explained as Djokovic denied entry

The Serbian tennis champion is set to be flown out of the country later on Thursday after a mix-up with his visa.

Italy

Italy's islands will be 'exiled' by vaccine restrictions, warn mayors

Under new restrictions on Monday, citizens must have a "super green pass" to use modes of transport such as boats.

This will impact your life

Brussels mulls joint EU purchase of new antiviral COVID pills

The European Commission is in talks with pharmaceutical companies to buy the antiviral pills, which can be taken orally at home.