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World News

British territory Gibraltar closes border to UK amid COVID-19 fears

The closure comes ahead of new border changes set to come into place on January 1. If Brexit talks are successful, Gibraltar will then become part of the Schengen zone with border controls for UK arrivals for the first time.

Canada

Canada's Ontario to go into province-wide lockdown after Christmas

Health officials in Canada's most populous province have criticised politicians for what they see as prioritising the economy by delaying the lockdown until December 26.

Denmark

Denmark to dig up millions of culled mink over pollution fears

Over 15.4 million minks have been slaughtered so far over fears of a coronavirus mutation, of which 4 million mink were buried in large ditches. They are now at risk of being a biohazard and will be dug up, the government said.

USA

Joe Biden to receive coronavirus vaccine live on TV to boost uptake

While it is unclear if Donald Trump will have the vaccine, president-elect Joe Biden will be vaccinated live on TV on Monday to help boost the largest vaccination programme in US history.

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USA

US Congress seals agreement on €730 billion COVID-19 relief bill

Millions of Americans hit by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic will now receive financial help after Republicans and Democrats agreed on a long-overdue relief package.

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Food banks a lifeline for New Yorkers hit by coronavirus crisis

The pandemic has been particularly hard on women who work in the service sector, which has been crippled by the economic crisis.

United Kingdom

New COVID-19 strain 'out of control', says UK Health Secretary

UK nations issued new restrictions, stating that a new, more infectious strain of coronavirus was spreading rapidly.

World

Porto suburb puts food before festivities as coronavirus fallout bites

The €350,000 usually spent on a Christmas extravaganza will instead be used to help families hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

United Kingdom

Johnson in call for 'smaller' Christmas but eased restrictions to stay

The planned relaxtion of coronavirus restrictions over Christmas in the UK contrasts with measures being taken by other European nations, such as Germany, the Netherlands and Lithuania, which have announced sweeping new restrictions for the holidays.

Sweden

Sweden's health officials 'misjudged' second wave of COVID-19

Sweden has stood out for its approach to the pandemic, for a long time not mandating lockdowns and instead relying on citizens’ sense of civic duty.

Italy

Italy surpasses UK to record worst coronavirus death toll in Europe

While the way coronavirus deaths are recorded in both countries differs, Italy has now overtaken the UK as the worst hit country in Europe, according to the latest figures released on Sunday.

Poland

Poland: Protesters march to PiS leader's home on 1981 anniversary

As well as women protesting the country's high court ruling restricting abortion, farmers and entrepreneurs also vented their anger at the PiS government on Sunday's march.

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Maryland volunteers distribute food as pandemic creates rising hunger

People queuing to get food from distribution centres has become an increasingly common scene across the US as people struggle to feed themselves amid the ongoing pandemic.

Albania

Fresh clashes in Tirana over death of man shot by police during curfew

The clashes are becoming a flashpoint between the Socialist government and the centre-right opposition party who have demanded the prime minister's resignation.

Europe News

'Safety and quality' of COVID-19 vaccine top priority, says EMA chief

Emer Cooke, who has taken up the role as the new director of the European Medicines Agency, is heading the body whose top priority is approving a coronavirus vaccine. It's a heavy responsibility.

My Europe Series

Europe's week: Brexit talks stuck as EU budget finally moves forward

It wasn't all doom and gloom this week for EU negotiations.

Hungary

Hungary hospital sets up 'COVID safe' booths for patient visits

A Hungary hospital is giving coronavirus patients the opportunity to see and hug their friends and families by means of a glass wall and disposable gloves that pass through it.

World

Madrid's hotels adapt their offers to survive COVID-19 pandemic

In Spain, the number of foreign visitors is down more than 80 per cent this year. Madrid's hotels are turning to new strategies in their struggle to survive the pandemic.

United Kingdom

First batches of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine arrive in UK

The UK's mass vaccination programme - which will be watched in earnest around the world - is expected to officially start on Tuesday.

Belgium

Coronavirus: New businesses thriving in Flanders despite pandemic

Almost 2,000 new businesses opened up in the second quarter of the year in Brussels as well as 11,000 in Flanders.