This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . The next check for changes will be

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/jan/12/covid-news-live-boosters-not-viable-strategy-against-new-variants-who-warns-quebec-to-impose-health-tax-on-unvaccinated

The article has changed 35 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 24 Version 25
Coronavirus live: 4.3m people in the UK had Covid last week; Switzerland cuts isolation to five days Coronavirus live: 4.3m people in the UK had Covid last week; Switzerland cuts isolation to five days
(32 minutes later)
Official estimates show Covid infections continued to rise in all four UK nations; Fears wave of Covid infections could threaten Swiss economyOfficial estimates show Covid infections continued to rise in all four UK nations; Fears wave of Covid infections could threaten Swiss economy
The percentage of people testing positive for Covid continued to increase in all four nations of the UK in the week ending 6 January, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics.The percentage of people testing positive for Covid continued to increase in all four nations of the UK in the week ending 6 January, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics.
Covid infections compatible with the Omicron variant continued to increase across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, the ONS said, adding that Delta variant compatible infections have fallen to very low levels and Omicron is now the dominant variant across all UK countries.Covid infections compatible with the Omicron variant continued to increase across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, the ONS said, adding that Delta variant compatible infections have fallen to very low levels and Omicron is now the dominant variant across all UK countries.
In total, the ONS estimates showed about 4.3 million people in the UK had Covid that week.In total, the ONS estimates showed about 4.3 million people in the UK had Covid that week.
The ONS estimates that 3,735,000 people in England had Covid that week, equating to around 1 in 15 people. While the estimate for the previous week had also been around 1 in 15 people, the estimated number of infected people was 3,270,800. The latest figure therefore marks an overall increase in the number of infections.The ONS estimates that 3,735,000 people in England had Covid that week, equating to around 1 in 15 people. While the estimate for the previous week had also been around 1 in 15 people, the estimated number of infected people was 3,270,800. The latest figure therefore marks an overall increase in the number of infections.
In England, the percentage of people testing positive has increased among age groups aged 50 years and over, the ONS said. However, infections remain lowest in those aged 70 years and over; in all other age groups, the percentage of people testing positive has increased over the most recent two weeks, but the trend is uncertain in the most recent week.In England, the percentage of people testing positive has increased among age groups aged 50 years and over, the ONS said. However, infections remain lowest in those aged 70 years and over; in all other age groups, the percentage of people testing positive has increased over the most recent two weeks, but the trend is uncertain in the most recent week.
Covid infections continued to increase across all regions of England except the East of England, and London, the ONS found. The percentage of people testing positive has decreased in London in the most recent week and in the East of England, the trend is uncertain, it said.Covid infections continued to increase across all regions of England except the East of England, and London, the ONS found. The percentage of people testing positive has decreased in London in the most recent week and in the East of England, the trend is uncertain, it said.
In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive also continued to increase in the week ending 6 January. The ONS estimates that 169,100 people in Wales had Covid, equating to around 1 in 20 people.In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive also continued to increase in the week ending 6 January. The ONS estimates that 169,100 people in Wales had Covid, equating to around 1 in 20 people.
In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive continued to increase in the week ending 7 January. The ONS estimates that 297,400 people in Scotland had Covid, equating to around 1 in 20 people.In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive continued to increase in the week ending 7 January. The ONS estimates that 297,400 people in Scotland had Covid, equating to around 1 in 20 people.
And in Northern Ireland, the percentage of people testing positive continued to increase in the week ending 6 January. The ONS estimates that 99,200 people in Northern Ireland had Covid, equating to around 1 in 20 peopleAnd in Northern Ireland, the percentage of people testing positive continued to increase in the week ending 6 January. The ONS estimates that 99,200 people in Northern Ireland had Covid, equating to around 1 in 20 people
The full data can be found here.The full data can be found here.
Schools going virtual, airlines canceling flights, pharmacies and testing centres closing temporarily, shelves emptying in grocery stores because of transportation delays, blood donations dropping to crisis levels for the first time ever and the country’s hospitals are becoming stretched. This is the US in the grip of the Omicron variant.
Omicron may cause milder symptoms in some people, but its effects are ricocheting throughout America and creating some of the greatest challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We have supply shortages, we have transportation shortages, that are a result of people being out because of Covid, and especially Omicron being so infectious. And that is obviously limiting the workforce, and limiting the workforce is creating some of the havoc that we’re all experiencing,” said Ezekiel Emanuel, vice-provost at the University of Pennsylvania.
Joe Biden has vowed to keep businesses and schools open, but some experts wonder if that’s possible given the nature of Omicron and the lack of adequate measures to combat it.
“The economy cannot stay open and schools cannot stay open when so many people are getting sick,” said Margaret Thornton, an educational researcher at Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. “We must take action to slow the spread in order to keep schools running, to keep businesses running,” she said – but much of that action has been slow to happen.
Read more here: ‘The economy cannot stay open’: Omicron’s effects ricochet across US
Doctors in Spain will be awarded up to €49,000 (£40,882) each in compensation for working without proper personal protection gear in the first few months of the pandemic.
A doctors’ union in Valencia, on the east coast of Spain, took the region’s government to court for failing to protect its health workers in the first three months of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Associated Press reports:
“This ruling is groundbreaking in Spain,” said Dr. Victor Pedrera, secretary general of the Doctors’ Union of Valencia CESM-CV, told AP.
Pedrera, a family doctor, said he got ill with Covid-19 shortly after it hit Spain in March 2020 and spent two months at home “quite badly off and with no idea of what was being done for treatment.”
Those doctors who were forced to work without proper protection but did not get infected nor were forced to isolate will receive 5,000 euros. The compensation increases to 15,000 euros for those who were forced to isolate, 35,000 euros for those who were infected but did not need hospital care, and to 49,000 euros for those who needed hospital treatment.
Valencia’s government will appeal the ruling. Regional chief Ximo Puig apologised to the medical workers, adding that the initial impact of the pandemic was “completely unexpected”.
As families grieving for lost loved ones call on authorities for answers, there are likely to be similar legal proceedings on the horizon. France’s former health minister Agnès Buzyn was charged in September with “endangering the lives of others”, according to the prosecutor in a special court that deals with ministerial accountability. In the UK, a public inquiry is due to begin in the spring.
Hello, it’s Georgina Quach here, taking over from Lucy Campbell.
The Danish government has proposed easing Covid restrictions at the end of the week, including the reopening of cinemas and music venues, as hospitalisation rates decline despite record-high infection numbers, Reuters reports.The Danish government has proposed easing Covid restrictions at the end of the week, including the reopening of cinemas and music venues, as hospitalisation rates decline despite record-high infection numbers, Reuters reports.
The move comes even as the World Health Organization (WHO) and public health experts have warned of a “tsunami” of Omicron cases.The move comes even as the World Health Organization (WHO) and public health experts have warned of a “tsunami” of Omicron cases.
Denmark saw a surge in daily infections in mid-December, prompting new restrictions including the closure of theatres, cinemas, entertainment parks and conference centres, as well as measures to limit large crowds in stores and shops.Denmark saw a surge in daily infections in mid-December, prompting new restrictions including the closure of theatres, cinemas, entertainment parks and conference centres, as well as measures to limit large crowds in stores and shops.
However, even as infection rates remain near record levels above 20,000 a day, hospital admissions and deaths have stabilised at levels below those seen a year ago.However, even as infection rates remain near record levels above 20,000 a day, hospital admissions and deaths have stabilised at levels below those seen a year ago.
“In light of how well things are going, it’s really, really positive that the Epidemic Commission [an expert advisory group] now recommends lifting some of the restrictions, not least in the cultural sphere,” the prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, said.“In light of how well things are going, it’s really, really positive that the Epidemic Commission [an expert advisory group] now recommends lifting some of the restrictions, not least in the cultural sphere,” the prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, said.
The government proposed following the advisory group’s recommendations, including the reopening of theatres, cinemas, museums and botanic gardens, as well as allowing spectators at outdoor sports events. It proposed limiting attendance at indoor music venues to 500.The government proposed following the advisory group’s recommendations, including the reopening of theatres, cinemas, museums and botanic gardens, as well as allowing spectators at outdoor sports events. It proposed limiting attendance at indoor music venues to 500.
The Social Democratic government is meeting with other parties this afternoon and has scheduled a news briefing at 6pm.The Social Democratic government is meeting with other parties this afternoon and has scheduled a news briefing at 6pm.
The Biden administration has announced a new set of measures to keep classes open, including doubling Covid testing capacity in schools with 10 million more tests, as the Omicron variant spreads rapidly through the US, Reuters reports.The Biden administration has announced a new set of measures to keep classes open, including doubling Covid testing capacity in schools with 10 million more tests, as the Omicron variant spreads rapidly through the US, Reuters reports.
The United States reported 1.35 million new coronavirus infections on Monday, shattering the global record for daily cases in any one country. Omicron is now estimated to account for 98.3% of total new cases circulating in the country, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) said.The United States reported 1.35 million new coronavirus infections on Monday, shattering the global record for daily cases in any one country. Omicron is now estimated to account for 98.3% of total new cases circulating in the country, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) said.
The gigantic wave of infections has disrupted plans for students and teachers to return to school and for workers to go back to the office.The gigantic wave of infections has disrupted plans for students and teachers to return to school and for workers to go back to the office.
In response, the number of Covid tests available to schools will be increased by 10 million per month, the White House said in a statement on Wednesday, adding this will help schools more than double the volume of testing compared to November 2021.In response, the number of Covid tests available to schools will be increased by 10 million per month, the White House said in a statement on Wednesday, adding this will help schools more than double the volume of testing compared to November 2021.
Half of the new free rapid tests will be distributed each month to help kindergarten to 12th grade (K-12) schools remain open, the statement said, while lab capacity will be available to support five million monthly PCR tests for schools.Half of the new free rapid tests will be distributed each month to help kindergarten to 12th grade (K-12) schools remain open, the statement said, while lab capacity will be available to support five million monthly PCR tests for schools.
Critics have accused president Joe Biden of not focusing enough on testing in the fight to control surging Omicron cases and hospitalisations, amid growing reports of acute shortages of test kits around the country.Critics have accused president Joe Biden of not focusing enough on testing in the fight to control surging Omicron cases and hospitalisations, amid growing reports of acute shortages of test kits around the country.
The White House and top health officials have defended the response, including announcing earlier this month that 500 million rapid tests would be available free to all Americans in January.The White House and top health officials have defended the response, including announcing earlier this month that 500 million rapid tests would be available free to all Americans in January.
The new steps come as some school districts move to virtual classes again to escape the Omicron wave. The politics over how to keep schools open is also expected to be a significant issue in the upcoming midterm elections and has already been a subject of intense debate, with Republicans saying the administration has not done enough on the issue.The new steps come as some school districts move to virtual classes again to escape the Omicron wave. The politics over how to keep schools open is also expected to be a significant issue in the upcoming midterm elections and has already been a subject of intense debate, with Republicans saying the administration has not done enough on the issue.
Other steps announced on Wednesday include CDC and states working together to meet demand for additional tests for school districts. The first such deliveries will be made later this month, the administration said.Other steps announced on Wednesday include CDC and states working together to meet demand for additional tests for school districts. The first such deliveries will be made later this month, the administration said.
Federal agencies will ensure federal testing sites can support K-12 schools, connecting local school districts with testing providers and offering full reimbursement to schools that set up diagnostic and testing programs.Federal agencies will ensure federal testing sites can support K-12 schools, connecting local school districts with testing providers and offering full reimbursement to schools that set up diagnostic and testing programs.
The administration said it had so far distributed $10 billion in resources to states for testing at schools, funding that was included in the coronavirus legislation signed into law last year.The administration said it had so far distributed $10 billion in resources to states for testing at schools, funding that was included in the coronavirus legislation signed into law last year.
The White House said those efforts have resulted in 96% of schools being able to open in-person classes this month, up from 46% of schools in January 2021.The White House said those efforts have resulted in 96% of schools being able to open in-person classes this month, up from 46% of schools in January 2021.
Last year, the CDC endorsed a test-to-stay strategy, which allowed schools to use frequent testing to keep students in class after exposure to someone with Covid, as an alternative to mandatory quarantine. The agency will release additional materials later this week to help schools implement this strategy, the White House said.Last year, the CDC endorsed a test-to-stay strategy, which allowed schools to use frequent testing to keep students in class after exposure to someone with Covid, as an alternative to mandatory quarantine. The agency will release additional materials later this week to help schools implement this strategy, the White House said.
Zimbabwe’s president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, said on Wednesday that China would be donating another 10 million doses of its Covid vaccine over the course of 2022, Reuters reports.Zimbabwe’s president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, said on Wednesday that China would be donating another 10 million doses of its Covid vaccine over the course of 2022, Reuters reports.
Zimbabwe, like most African countries, is struggling with low rates of vaccination, due to availability issues and also to vaccine hesitancy or public apathy.Zimbabwe, like most African countries, is struggling with low rates of vaccination, due to availability issues and also to vaccine hesitancy or public apathy.
The country has so far fully vaccinated just over a fifth of its population of 15 million people, mostly using vaccines either purchased from or donated by China.The country has so far fully vaccinated just over a fifth of its population of 15 million people, mostly using vaccines either purchased from or donated by China.
Nearly a third of Zimbabweans have received at least a single dose of the Chinese vaccine.Nearly a third of Zimbabweans have received at least a single dose of the Chinese vaccine.
“The assistance, comprising four million Sinopharm doses and six million Sinovac doses, is in addition to the two million doses Zimbabwe has received as donations since February 2021 from the People’s Republic of China,” Mnangagwa said.“The assistance, comprising four million Sinopharm doses and six million Sinovac doses, is in addition to the two million doses Zimbabwe has received as donations since February 2021 from the People’s Republic of China,” Mnangagwa said.
China’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Guo Shaochun, said the 10 million doses would be delivered in batches throughout 2022.China’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Guo Shaochun, said the 10 million doses would be delivered in batches throughout 2022.
To date, the southern African country has officially recorded 223,765 Covid infections and 5,201 deaths, according to health ministry data.To date, the southern African country has officially recorded 223,765 Covid infections and 5,201 deaths, according to health ministry data.
The percentage of people testing positive for Covid continued to increase in all four nations of the UK in the week ending 6 January, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics.The percentage of people testing positive for Covid continued to increase in all four nations of the UK in the week ending 6 January, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics.
Covid infections compatible with the Omicron variant continued to increase across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, the ONS said, adding that Delta variant compatible infections have fallen to very low levels and Omicron is now the dominant variant across all UK countries.Covid infections compatible with the Omicron variant continued to increase across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, the ONS said, adding that Delta variant compatible infections have fallen to very low levels and Omicron is now the dominant variant across all UK countries.
In total, the ONS estimates showed about 4.3 million people in the UK had Covid that week.In total, the ONS estimates showed about 4.3 million people in the UK had Covid that week.
The ONS estimates that 3,735,000 people in England had Covid that week, equating to around 1 in 15 people. While the estimate for the previous week had also been around 1 in 15 people, the estimated number of infected people was 3,270,800. The latest figure therefore marks an overall increase in the number of infections.The ONS estimates that 3,735,000 people in England had Covid that week, equating to around 1 in 15 people. While the estimate for the previous week had also been around 1 in 15 people, the estimated number of infected people was 3,270,800. The latest figure therefore marks an overall increase in the number of infections.
In England, the percentage of people testing positive has increased among age groups aged 50 years and over, the ONS said. However, infections remain lowest in those aged 70 years and over; in all other age groups, the percentage of people testing positive has increased over the most recent two weeks, but the trend is uncertain in the most recent week.In England, the percentage of people testing positive has increased among age groups aged 50 years and over, the ONS said. However, infections remain lowest in those aged 70 years and over; in all other age groups, the percentage of people testing positive has increased over the most recent two weeks, but the trend is uncertain in the most recent week.
Covid infections continued to increase across all regions of England except the East of England, and London, the ONS found. The percentage of people testing positive has decreased in London in the most recent week and in the East of England, the trend is uncertain, it said.Covid infections continued to increase across all regions of England except the East of England, and London, the ONS found. The percentage of people testing positive has decreased in London in the most recent week and in the East of England, the trend is uncertain, it said.
In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive also continued to increase in the week ending 6 January. The ONS estimates that 169,100 people in Wales had Covid, equating to around 1 in 20 people.In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive also continued to increase in the week ending 6 January. The ONS estimates that 169,100 people in Wales had Covid, equating to around 1 in 20 people.
In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive continued to increase in the week ending 7 January. The ONS estimates that 297,400 people in Scotland had Covid, equating to around 1 in 20 people.In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive continued to increase in the week ending 7 January. The ONS estimates that 297,400 people in Scotland had Covid, equating to around 1 in 20 people.
And in Northern Ireland, the percentage of people testing positive continued to increase in the week ending 6 January. The ONS estimates that 99,200 people in Northern Ireland had Covid, equating to around 1 in 20 peopleAnd in Northern Ireland, the percentage of people testing positive continued to increase in the week ending 6 January. The ONS estimates that 99,200 people in Northern Ireland had Covid, equating to around 1 in 20 people
The full data can be found here.The full data can be found here.
France’s Institut Pasteur said in a report published on Wednesday that it expected to see a peak of new Omicron infections in mid-January, followed by a peak in hospital admissions in the second half of the month.France’s Institut Pasteur said in a report published on Wednesday that it expected to see a peak of new Omicron infections in mid-January, followed by a peak in hospital admissions in the second half of the month.
On Tuesday, France registered a record daily high of nearly 370,000 infections and a seven-day average high of more than 283,000. The number of people in intensive care units with Covid rose by 65 to 3,969.On Tuesday, France registered a record daily high of nearly 370,000 infections and a seven-day average high of more than 283,000. The number of people in intensive care units with Covid rose by 65 to 3,969.
Here is my colleague Peter Walker’s story on the UK prime minister’s apology for attending a “bring your own booze” event in the No 10 garden during the first lockdown in May 2020. Boris Johnson insisted it was a “work event” which “technically” broke no rules.Here is my colleague Peter Walker’s story on the UK prime minister’s apology for attending a “bring your own booze” event in the No 10 garden during the first lockdown in May 2020. Boris Johnson insisted it was a “work event” which “technically” broke no rules.
The UK government’s operation of a “VIP lane” for suppliers of personal protective equipment during the coronavirus pandemic was illegal, a judge has ruled.The UK government’s operation of a “VIP lane” for suppliers of personal protective equipment during the coronavirus pandemic was illegal, a judge has ruled.
In a written judgment, Mrs Justice O’Farrell said the Good Law Project and EveryDoctor, which together had challenged the lawfulness of the way billions of pounds worth of contracts were awarded through the high priority lane, had established that its operation was “in breach of the obligation of equal treatment”.In a written judgment, Mrs Justice O’Farrell said the Good Law Project and EveryDoctor, which together had challenged the lawfulness of the way billions of pounds worth of contracts were awarded through the high priority lane, had established that its operation was “in breach of the obligation of equal treatment”.
Describing the allocation of offers to the VIP lane as “flawed”, the judge said:Describing the allocation of offers to the VIP lane as “flawed”, the judge said:
She added:She added:
More than 32bn items of PPE with a value of £14bn were bought through directly awarded and negotiated contracts.More than 32bn items of PPE with a value of £14bn were bought through directly awarded and negotiated contracts.
The full story is here: Use of ‘VIP lane’ to award Covid PPE contracts unlawful, high court rulesThe full story is here: Use of ‘VIP lane’ to award Covid PPE contracts unlawful, high court rules
Switzerland will halve its quarantine time to five days to help tackle a wave of Covid infections that threatens to hamstring the economy, Reuters reports.Switzerland will halve its quarantine time to five days to help tackle a wave of Covid infections that threatens to hamstring the economy, Reuters reports.
Health authorities had given their blessing on Tuesday for the move, which comes as tens of thousands more people a day are infected with the highly transmissible Omicron variant.Health authorities had given their blessing on Tuesday for the move, which comes as tens of thousands more people a day are infected with the highly transmissible Omicron variant.
Officials worry that the healthcare system could be overwhelmed, with two-thirds of the Swiss population having had two doses and just 30% having had a booster.Officials worry that the healthcare system could be overwhelmed, with two-thirds of the Swiss population having had two doses and just 30% having had a booster.
The government also proposed extending until the end of March curbs on public life that were tightened last month. It is trying to avoid not only another lockdown but also mandatory vaccinations, a route neighbouring Austria has taken.The government also proposed extending until the end of March curbs on public life that were tightened last month. It is trying to avoid not only another lockdown but also mandatory vaccinations, a route neighbouring Austria has taken.
“The epidemiological situation is critical and remains difficult to assess,” the government said.“The epidemiological situation is critical and remains difficult to assess,” the government said.
It added that although Omicron seemed to be less deadly than other Covid variants, it expected an increase in hospitalisations because of the very high number of infections, which rose to 32,881 new cases on Wednesday.It added that although Omicron seemed to be less deadly than other Covid variants, it expected an increase in hospitalisations because of the very high number of infections, which rose to 32,881 new cases on Wednesday.
The reduction in the self-isolation requirement will go into effect from Thursday. This could be done because the Omicron variant had a shortened time between infection and transmission to other people, the government said.The reduction in the self-isolation requirement will go into effect from Thursday. This could be done because the Omicron variant had a shortened time between infection and transmission to other people, the government said.
Measures introduced in December included the need for people to prove they have been vaccinated or recovered from Covid to gain entry to many indoor venues, as well as making working from home mandatory.Measures introduced in December included the need for people to prove they have been vaccinated or recovered from Covid to gain entry to many indoor venues, as well as making working from home mandatory.
National authorities have reported more than 1.6m confirmed infections on Switzerland and tiny neighbour Liechtenstein since the pandemic began in early 2020. More than 12,000 have died of the respiratory ailment.National authorities have reported more than 1.6m confirmed infections on Switzerland and tiny neighbour Liechtenstein since the pandemic began in early 2020. More than 12,000 have died of the respiratory ailment.
The eastern canton of the Grisons ordered all residents with nursing training to register in case they were needed to relieve pressure on hospitals.The eastern canton of the Grisons ordered all residents with nursing training to register in case they were needed to relieve pressure on hospitals.
“It can be assumed that the sharp increase in coronavirus cases will push medical care, or rather the human resources in the nursing professions, to their limits,” the regional government said.“It can be assumed that the sharp increase in coronavirus cases will push medical care, or rather the human resources in the nursing professions, to their limits,” the regional government said.
Tunisia will reimpose a night curfew and ban all gatherings for two weeks sfrom Thursday to counter the rapid spread of Covid, the government has said in a move critics decried as aimed at stopping protests.Tunisia will reimpose a night curfew and ban all gatherings for two weeks sfrom Thursday to counter the rapid spread of Covid, the government has said in a move critics decried as aimed at stopping protests.
The ban on gatherings and a request to avoid travel within the country except for emergencies comes two days before a planned demonstration against the Tunisian president, Kais Saied, called by major political parties.The ban on gatherings and a request to avoid travel within the country except for emergencies comes two days before a planned demonstration against the Tunisian president, Kais Saied, called by major political parties.
A senior official in the main opposition Ennahda party, Mohamed Goumani, told Reuters on Wednesday the protest would go ahead in defiance of the new ban.A senior official in the main opposition Ennahda party, Mohamed Goumani, told Reuters on Wednesday the protest would go ahead in defiance of the new ban.
A curfew was imposed during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020 and again for much of last year, but was lifted in September as cases dropped.A curfew was imposed during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020 and again for much of last year, but was lifted in September as cases dropped.
The new curfew will be in place for at least two weeks and run from 10pm to 5am each night.The new curfew will be in place for at least two weeks and run from 10pm to 5am each night.
The government’s perceived poor response to the pandemic, including a botched vaccine rollout, raised the political pressure before Saied dismissed parliament and seized broad powers in July, moves his critics said was a coup.The government’s perceived poor response to the pandemic, including a botched vaccine rollout, raised the political pressure before Saied dismissed parliament and seized broad powers in July, moves his critics said was a coup.
Leaders of another two parties that had joined the call for protests on Friday accused the government of restoring the health restrictions for political reasons.Leaders of another two parties that had joined the call for protests on Friday accused the government of restoring the health restrictions for political reasons.
“We will be on Revolution Street to protest whatever the cost,” Ghazi Chaouachi, the head of the Democratic Current, which had 22 MPs in the 217-seat in the now-suspended parliament, told reporters, using a nickname to describe Tunis’s Avenue Habib Bourguiba.“We will be on Revolution Street to protest whatever the cost,” Ghazi Chaouachi, the head of the Democratic Current, which had 22 MPs in the 217-seat in the now-suspended parliament, told reporters, using a nickname to describe Tunis’s Avenue Habib Bourguiba.
The measures were intended “to prevent a wave of popular anger that they can only confront by citing health conditions”, said the leader of the smaller Al Joumhouri party, Issam Chebbi.The measures were intended “to prevent a wave of popular anger that they can only confront by citing health conditions”, said the leader of the smaller Al Joumhouri party, Issam Chebbi.
Imagine being on a first date you couldn’t end? That is what happened to a woman in China whose video blogs about going into a citywide lockdown during a blind date have gone viral, AFP reports.Imagine being on a first date you couldn’t end? That is what happened to a woman in China whose video blogs about going into a citywide lockdown during a blind date have gone viral, AFP reports.
More than 100 cases have been reported in the central Chinese city of Zhengzhou since last week, as China tries to contain multiple local outbreaks of the Delta and Omicron variants.More than 100 cases have been reported in the central Chinese city of Zhengzhou since last week, as China tries to contain multiple local outbreaks of the Delta and Omicron variants.
A woman was having dinner at the homes of her date when parts of the city were abruptly placed under lockdown last Wednesday.A woman was having dinner at the homes of her date when parts of the city were abruptly placed under lockdown last Wednesday.
“Just after I arrived in Zhengzhou, there was an outbreak and his community was put under lockdown and I could not leave,” she told the Shanghai-based outlet the Paper on Tuesday, adding that she went there for a week-long trip to meet potential suitors.“Just after I arrived in Zhengzhou, there was an outbreak and his community was put under lockdown and I could not leave,” she told the Shanghai-based outlet the Paper on Tuesday, adding that she went there for a week-long trip to meet potential suitors.
“I’m getting old now, my family introduced me to ten matches … The fifth date wanted to show off his cooking skills and invited me over to his house for dinner.”“I’m getting old now, my family introduced me to ten matches … The fifth date wanted to show off his cooking skills and invited me over to his house for dinner.”
Since then, she posted short videos documenting her daily life in lockdown, which show her date cooking meals for her, doing household chores and working at his laptop while she sleeps in, according to clips published by local media.Since then, she posted short videos documenting her daily life in lockdown, which show her date cooking meals for her, doing household chores and working at his laptop while she sleeps in, according to clips published by local media.
So far it seems romance has yet to blossom during their prolonged date.So far it seems romance has yet to blossom during their prolonged date.
“Besides the fact that he’s as mute as a wooden mannequin, everything else [about him] is pretty good,” the woman told the Paper. “Despite his food being mediocre, he’s still willing to cook, which I think is great.”“Besides the fact that he’s as mute as a wooden mannequin, everything else [about him] is pretty good,” the woman told the Paper. “Despite his food being mediocre, he’s still willing to cook, which I think is great.”
She said the recent surge in online attention had prompted her to remove the videos. She added:She said the recent surge in online attention had prompted her to remove the videos. She added: