Switzerland to drop all remaining COVID restrictions from Friday

The Swiss government announced Wednesday that the last remaining public health measures to tackle COVID-19 will be lifted from Friday, including the compulsory wearing of masks on public transport.

Sputnik Stops Broadcasting in Spain, France, Germany, Greece After EU Ban

Sputnik news agency and radio broadcaster is ending its media presence on Thursday in Spain, France, Germany and Greece following a EU ban.

Switzerland lifts most COVID-19 restrictions - China.org.cn

From Feb. 17, Switzerland will lift almost all its COVID-19 restrictions, the country's Federal Council said on Wednesday, citing recent improvements in the epidemiological situation.

UK premier plans to end all COVID-19 restrictions a month early

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told parliament on Wednesday that he plans to end all remaining COVID-19 restrictions this month.

Spain to scrap outdoor mask mandate from Thursday

Spain’s Health Ministry announced on Monday that it will be scrapping its outdoor mask mandate and increasing capacity at sporting events from Thursday.

Ottawa Mayor Declares State of Emergency to Deal with Trucking Blockade - Tasnim News Agency

(Tasnim) – Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson on Sunday declared a state of emergency to help deal with an unprecedented 10-day occupation by protesting truckers that has shut down much of the core of the Canadian capital.

Russia bans Germany’s Deutsche Welle after Russian channel blocked

Russia on Thursday banned Germany’s Deutsche Welle from broadcasting in the country, in a retaliatory move against Germany’s decision to block Russia’s RT DE television channel.

Finland to lift all COVID-19 restrictions in February: PM - China.org.cn

Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said on Monday that the country is working to lift all COVID-19-related restrictions in February.

China blocks some US flights after passengers get COVID | Al Jazeera

American Airlines Group Inc. and United Airlines Holdings Inc. said Chinese aviation regulators have blocked some of their flights from entry as the country steps up precautions against Covid-19, triggering discussions between industry representatives and government agencies.

Nepal bans big public gatherings, closes schools amid COVID spike | Coronavirus pandemic News | Al Jazeera

Officials in Nepal have banned large public gatherings and closed schools across the Himalayan nation for nearly three weeks after a spike in coronavirus cases.

Israel admits Covid mutation rendered travel bans useless — RT World News

Israel has lifted its strict Covid-19 travel ban against ‘high risk’ countries, such as the US and UK, acknowledging that the spread of the Omicron variant has rendered such restrictions obsolete.

Omicron exposes East-West divide on living with COVID | Al Jazeera

Omicron is exposing an East-West divide between governments determined to halt the spread of the variant and those that see its spread as inevitable and even necessary.

COVID-19 News: For Delhi, Weekend Curfew; Full Capacity Allowed For Buses, Metro

 

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New COVID Restrictions Would Be A Last Resort, Says UK Health Minister - Tasnim News Agency

(Tasnim) – New restrictions in England to slow the spread of COVID-19 will only be introduced as a last resort, health minister Sajid Javid said, stressing that although hospitalizations were rising, the number of patients in intensive care was stable.

Millions in Canada under Covid-19 curfew on New Year’s Eve — RT

More than 8.5 million Canadians have been ordered to remain at home for New Year’s celebrations, with the provincial government of Quebec imposing a curfew and a ban on private gatherings amid the spread of the Omicron variant.

France tightens COVID-19 measures but no curfew for New Year's Eve - China.org.cn

France's Prime Minister Jean Castex and Health Minister Olivier Veran announced a series of new measures on Monday to curb the spread of COVID-19 during the New Year festivities and urged their countrymen to respect the preventive measures during the celebrations.

France reports 100,000 COVID cases for first time | Al Jazeera

France reported a record high of 104,611 COVID-19 infections on Saturday, breaking the 100,000 threshold for the first time since the pandemic began.

ANGST VOR OMIKRON: Lockdown, Quarantäne und PCR-Tests - Harte Reiseregeln in Europa | WELT Thema

 

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ANGST VOR OMIKRON: Europa verschärft die Einreiseregeln – Testpflicht auch für Geimpfte und Genesene

 

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Report: UK Mulling Even Tougher ‘Plan C’ with COVID Restrictions | Farsnews Agency

(FNA)- The UK government is reportedly considering implementing ‘Plan C’ COVID restrictions to combat the threat of the Omicron variant, as Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warns the nation is facing a “tsunami” of cases.