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Culture news

Greek government bans music on New Year's Eve

The spread of the omicron measurement has prompted the measure, the latest in a raft of restrictions introduced across Europe this winter.

France

France reports over 200,000 cases in 24 hours in COVID-19 'tidal wave'

Health minister Olivier Véran revealed 208,000 confirmed coronavirus infections over the previous 24 hours, a new record since the start of the pandemic.

Health news

Omicron may enhance immunity against Delta, new study suggests

The study, which has not been peer-reviewed, found that those infected with Omicron developed an enhanced immunity to Delta.

World News

Omicron spread casts gloom over New Year celebration in Europe

Christmas celebrations across Europe were deeply affected by COVID-19 for the second year running -- and the Omicron variant looks set to do the same for New Year celebrations too.

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World News

New COVID treatment pills: who can take them and when?

Pfizer's Paxlovid and Merck’s molnupiravir can be used by EU member states, the EMA recommended. However, they come with a catch: they have to be used as soon as possible.

World News

Airlines cancel more flights after 8,000 were scrapped over Christmas

Thousands of flights had to be cancelled or delayed due to staff shortages and new entry requirements caused by the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.

United Kingdom

Omicron cases 70% less likely to be hospitalised, UK report suggests

The study from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) found people infected with Omicron were 50 to 70 percent less likely to be admitted to hospital than those infected with the Delta variant.

United Kingdom

UK daily COVID-19 infections pass 100,000 for the first time

The UK registered a record-breaking 106,122 new COVID-19 infections in 24 hours ahead of the holidays.

World News

COVID booster dose campaigns will not end pandemic, WHO says

The World Health Organization gave a briefing on COVID-19 as the highly transmissible Omicron variant spreads ahead of the festive holidays.

Travel News

48 passengers test positive for omicron variant on cruise ship

The cruise operator said it had 6,091 guests and crew members on board the ship.

United Kingdom

UK pleas for out-of-work teachers to return amid 'Omicron tidal wave'

Education workers are 26% more likely to contract COVID-19 than the general population, according to a union.

Travel News

Germany travel rules: UK tourists are banned under new restrictions

Germany is banning UK tourists, and travellers who will be allowed in face two weeks of quarantine.

United Kingdom

UK COVID-19 cases hit record high for third day as Omicron spreads

The UK registered more than 93,000 COVID-19 cases as the new Omicron variant spreads.

Travel News

Finland is set to impose new travel rules - is your holiday affected?

UK travellers now have to take a COVID test at the border, with more rules for non-EU citizens to be announced later today.

Work

No jab, no job: Google gets tough on employee COVID vaccine policy

“Anyone entering a Google building must be fully vaccinated or have an approved accommodation that allows them to work or come onsite,” the tech giant said in a leaked memo.

France

France drastically restricts travel to and from UK over Omicron fears

From Saturday, travellers will need to provide "compelling reasons", and entry into France will be restricted mostly to French and EU nationals, residents and their families.

World News

Omicron variant expected to be dominant in EU by mid-January

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the new Omicron COVID-19 variant is expected to become dominant in the EU by mid-January.

Health news

Is this needle-free vaccine the answer to COVID variants?

Those with a phobia of needles could be in luck. This new vaccine could also better protect us against COVID mutations.

Health news

Omicron in Europe: Where has the new COVID variant been detected?

Follow updates as we map the spread of the Omicron variant across Europe amid a spike in new COVID cases and tightening restrictions.

United Kingdom

Omicron could cause tens of thousands of deaths in England, study says

The Omicron variant could cause nearly 75,000 additional deaths in England by the end of April if additional virus measures are not taken, researchers said.