COVID-19 Updates
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Europe hit by Covid-19 resurgence after rushed exit, rise of ‘stealth Omicron’
Europe tried to leave Covid-19 behind, but the rush to unwind restrictions is now setting the stage for a revival of pandemic risks.Accelerated by the emergence of BA.2 or “stealth…
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Covid cases rise sharply in NSW to more than 30,000 with data glitch only partly to blame
Victoria also recorded its highest daily coronavirus case total in five weeks as the more-infectious Omicron subvariant spreads See all our coronavirus coverage Follow our Australia news live blog for…
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New Zealand to open borders to vaccinated travellers from next month
After two years spent closed off by the pandemic, prime minister Jacinda Ardern says ‘we’re ready to welcome the world back’ New Zealand is re-opening its borders to the world,…
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Door-to-door vaccine scheme for homebound Hongkongers to launch next week but NGOs warn many more in need of coronavirus jabs
Hong Kong’s first door-to-door vaccination programme will start giving out Covid-19 jabs to 10,000 homebound elderly and disabled residents next week, but NGOs have said the scheme will only cover…
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‘TV let me remember what it is to be human’: the shows that got the UK through Covid shielding
From Wandavision to The Tourist: the television programmes making millions of shielders’ lives bearable as they continue to weigh up isolation and safety It is March 2020 and a new…
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Victoria’s $580m hub for 1,000 visitors awaits the end of hotel quarantine
Dubbed a ‘white elephant’ by critics, governments argue the purpose-built Melbourne quarantine hub is crucial Get our free news app; get our morning email briefing Emma Cassar is at the…
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‘Worst ever’: sharp increase in wait times for NSW ambulances during Covid, report finds
Paramedics union says blowout in response times part of ‘consistent downward trend’ and more investment is needed Get our free news app; get our morning email briefing Wait times blew…
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Mask rules to stay in force in Scotland as Covid cases rise
Nicola Sturgeon says increase driven by Omicron sub-variant means rule must remain beyond 21 March The requirement to wear face masks on public transport, in shops and other enclosed public…
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As China’s Covid-19 infections rise, economic prospects worsen and stock sell-off deepens
Despite China reporting upbeat economic data to start the year, a severe wave of coronavirus infections has added fuel to scepticism over the pace and effectiveness of its monetary-loosening plans.The…
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HSBC to close 69 more bank branches as Covid speeds shift online
Which? describes number of bank closures as ‘alarming’, with many customers unable to go digital HSBC is to shut a further 69 branches, on top of the 82 it axed…