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United Kingdom

Lockdown birthday party claim increases pressure on Boris Johnson

The new allegation that a short birthday bash was held for the prime minister is the latest in a string of accusations of Downing Street gatherings that are being investigated.

New Zealand

New Zealand says it won't use lockdowns when Omicron spreads

“This stage of the pandemic is different to what we have dealt with before. Omicron is more transmissible," Ardern said. “That is going to make it harder to keep it out, but it will also make it more challenging to control once it arrives. But just like before, when COVID changes, we change.”

United Kingdom

'In the name of God, go': Tory MP tells Johnson amid parties scandal

At Prime Minister's Questions, one Conservative MP defected to Labour as another called on Boris Johnson to step down.

Tech News

Online child sexual abuse rose to record levels in 2021, says watchdog

Child safety experts say younger children have been relying more and more on the internet during the pandemic and this is leaving them more vulnerable to online sexual exploitation.

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United Kingdom

Johnson's office apologises to Queen for party before Philip funeral

Downing Street says the government acknowledges a lockdown-breaching party the night before the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral has caused "significant public anger".

United Kingdom

UK PM told to resign after admitting he attended party during lockdown

Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer accused Boris Johnson of "lying through his teeth" and called on him to "do the decent thing, and resign".

United Kingdom

Outrage over claims Boris Johnson's office held party during lockdown

The UK prime minister faces fury over claims that Downing Street staff were invited to a 'bring your own booze' garden party, when social mixing was banned.

Travel News

Should your company give you more time off in the pandemic?

With few of us able to go on holiday during the pandemic, should workplaces offer more annual leave to make up for it?

Travel News

Austria: Travel restrictions ease for top European skiing destination

As national lockdown comes to an end, Austria is reopening for most international travellers.

Austria

Austria ends COVID-19 lockdown measures for vaccinated

Austria ended its COVID-19 lockdown, but only for people who are vaccinated against or recovered from the virus.

Travel News

Austrian hotel selling drive-thru chocolate as fourth lockdown bites

With the tourism sector shut again, one luxury hotel in Vienna is taking to the streets to sell its world famous Sacher Torte cake.

Slovakia

COVID-19: Slovakia becomes second European country to go into lockdown

As the country battles with the world's fastest-growing surge of COVID-19 cases, the government of Slovakia opts for a two-week lockdown.

Czech Republic

Czechs protest restrictions on unvaccinated as cases soar

Protesters marched through the Czech capital of Prague on Monday to decry the government’s restrictions on unvaccinated people as new infections soared.

Health news

COVID boosters: Are you now only fully vaccinated if you have 3 doses?

Amid a new surge of COVID cases, countries are scrambling to issue vaccine boosters. Are two doses enough to be counted as "fully vaccinated"?

Netherlands

Police fire on rioters after anti-COVID-19 protest descends into chaos

Police said they fired warning shots during protests against new COVID-19 restrictions in the Netherlands.

Germany

Germany to introduce tighter restrictions on unvaccinated, says Merkel

Under the new rules, unvaccinated people -- even if they tested negative for COVID-19 -- will see their access to many public venues restricted.

India

New Delhi could be about to lockdown and it's nothing to do with COVID

Authorities in the Indian capital are mulling a call to halt all non-essential travel and close offices.

Netherlands

Dutch leader announces 'unpleasant' three-week partial lockdown

The partial lockdown, which begins on Saturday night, will see bars, restaurants and supermarkets close at 20:00 and non-essential stores shut their doors at 18:00.

Culture news

Van Morrison sued by NI government minister for libel over COVID rules

The 76-year-old singer was a vocal opposer of Northern Ireland's lockdown laws last year and labelled his home country's government "fascist bullies".

Austria

Austria introduces tougher COVID-19 measures for the unvaccinated

On Saturday, Austria registered a record high of 10,000 new infections. The country has one of the lowest vaccination rates in Western Europe, with only 63% of people vaccinated.