Google has told its employees that they will lose their salaries and eventually be fired if they fail to fully vaccinate themselves and follow COVID-19 rules as mandated by the US administration.

Report: Google to cut pay and eventually fire unvaccinated employees

Pfizer said final analysis of its antiviral COVID-19 pill still showed near 90% efficacy in preventing hospitalisations and deaths in high-risk patients.

Pfizer says its COVID-19 pill shows 90% efficacy, cuts hospitalisation risk

US President Joe Biden is facing significant skepticism from the American public, with his job approval rating lagging across a range of major issues, including handling of inflation, COVID-19 and gun violence.

Joe Biden faces lowest approval ratings yet in handling of inflation, COVID-19

<p>The world is still grappling with various symptoms that crop up during and post COVID-19 infection. While post-COVID-19 problems like gastritis, hair loss is common for most people, a new rather bizarre disease seem to have cropped up called Parosmia.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Those who suffer from this symptom typically lose their sense of smell and taste weeks after recovering from COVID-19. Instead, many complained that the food they eat or smell can be compared to the smell of sewage, garbage or even gasoline.<br />
<br />
The loss of smell and taste has long been associated with COVID-19 for a long time. It was one of the earliest symptoms associated with the virus that differentiated it from the usual cough, cold and fever.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a change in taste and smell is on the list of potential long haul COVID symptoms. As per the CDC, the symptom can occur in even those who have had mild illnesses.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
While CDC does list it as a post -COVID-19 symptom, it has so far been reported far less than the symptom of loss of taste and smell. The condition, however, can lead to major health issues including paranoia around food and malnutrition.<br />
<br />
The symptom, though, in recent months has been widely discussed on social media. An American University student, Natalia Cano got teary eyed on TikTok as she discussed her parosmia symptoms which, she says, have been around for nearly 10 months.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Her original video received more than 13 million views. Cano has since made others to shed light on her symptoms.</p>

<p>Cano has given details of her symptoms in the video. She says water never tastes clean. Nearly all food and beverages make her nauseous. Cano says she forces herself to eat two energy Bars a day- not because they don't taste terrible but because they're quick to scarf down.<br />
<br />
Cano tested positive for COVID-19 at the beginning of 2021 while working at a bakery.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
While she recovered from the virus itself, she began experiencing serious gastrointestinal issues, alongside a particularly unusual symptom: a change in her taste and smell.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The GI issues have since been resolved, but Cano is still living with parosmia, which she says is affecting not only her eating habits but also her mental health.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"Things taste like garbage. Like sewage," Cano tells Yahoo in an interview after her video went viral. "But it's not like it actually tastes like garbage or sewage, that's just the only way I can compare it to people. It's like I've been given this bad taste. It's the same amount of bad as rotting meat, garbage, sewage, but it doesn't taste like that."<br />
<br />
Cano says that when she shared the video, she had thought that only five or six people suffered from similar symptoms but she later realised there were many like her, struggling with parosmia.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Like Jessica Cox, a 27-year-old producer who after watching Cano's video realised she had a similar condition post her COVID-19 bout.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"Everything tasted like one rotten thing — I don't know what that rotten thing is, but it’s a nasty taste and smell," Cox told Yahoo. "I would just be walking and I would smell that nasty smell, and I didn't know where it was coming from."</p>

<p>It was only recently that Cox said she's been able to taste and smell more normally. However, things aren't how they were before COVID.</p>

<p>“I'll eat a blueberry, and it just doesn’t taste exactly like how I remember it," Cox says. "It doesn't taste rotten, but it doesn't taste exactly like a blueberry" used to. She also revealed that she had recovered from parosmia but now has got an eating disorder.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Considering Cano's video went viral with many realising they were going through similar symptoms, it is still something that is not being widely discussed. Perhaps those who have the symptom are yet to realise the severity of the situation or haven't yet made the connection with COVID-19.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, it is important to share the symptoms on social media with correct details so that research or a cure of the symptom can be initiated.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The world is still grappling with various symptoms that crop up during and post COVID-19 infection. While post-COVID-19 problems like gastritis, hair loss is common for most people, a new rather bizarre disease seem to have cropped up called Parosmia.

The world is still grappling with various symptoms that crop up during and post COVID-19 infection. While post-COVID-19 problems like gastritis, hair loss is common for most people, a new rather bizarre disease seem to have cropped up called Parosmia. Those who suffer from this symptom typically lose their sense of smell and taste weeks after recovering from COVID-19. Instead, many complained that the food they eat or smell can be compared to the smell of sewage, garbage or even gasoline. The loss of smell and taste has long been associated with COVID-19 for a long time. It was one of the earliest symptoms associated with the virus that differentiated it from the usual cough, cold and fever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a change in taste and smell is on the list of potential long haul COVID symptoms. As per the CDC, the symptom can occur in even those who have had mild illnesses. While CDC does list it as a post -COVID-19 symptom, it has so far been reported far less than the symptom of loss of taste and smell. The condition, however, can lead to major health issues including paranoia around food and malnutrition. The symptom, though, in recent months has been widely discussed on social media. An American University student, Natalia Cano got teary eyed on TikTok as she discussed her parosmia symptoms which, she says, have been around for nearly 10 months. Her original video received more than 13 million views. Cano has since made others to shed light on her symptoms. Cano has given details of her symptoms in the video. She says water never tastes clean. Nearly all food and beverages make her nauseous. Cano says she forces herself to eat two energy Bars a day- not because they don't taste terrible but because they're quick to scarf down. Cano tested positive for COVID-19 at the beginning of 2021 while working at a bakery. While she recovered from the virus itself, she began experiencing serious gastrointestinal issues, alongside a particularly unusual symptom: a change in her taste and smell. The GI issues have since been resolved, but Cano is still living with parosmia, which she says is affecting not only her eating habits but also her mental health. "Things taste like garbage. Like sewage," Cano tells Yahoo in an interview after her video went viral. "But it's not like it actually tastes like garbage or sewage, that's just the only way I can compare it to people. It's like I've been given this bad taste. It's the same amount of bad as rotting meat, garbage, sewage, but it doesn't taste like that." Cano says that when she shared the video, she had thought that only five or six people suffered from similar symptoms but she later realised there were many like her, struggling with parosmia. Like Jessica Cox, a 27-year-old producer who after watching Cano's video realised she had a similar condition post her COVID-19 bout. "Everything tasted like one rotten thing — I don't know what that rotten thing is, but it’s a nasty taste and smell," Cox told Yahoo. "I would just be walking and I would smell that nasty smell, and I didn't know where it was coming from." It was only recently that Cox said she's been able to taste and smell more normally. However, things aren't how they were before COVID. “I'll eat a blueberry, and it just doesn’t taste exactly like how I remember it," Cox says. "It doesn't taste rotten, but it doesn't taste exactly like a blueberry" used to. She also revealed that she had recovered from parosmia but now has got an eating disorder. Considering Cano's video went viral with many realising they were going through similar symptoms, it is still something that is not being widely discussed. Perhaps those who have the symptom are yet to realise the severity of the situation or haven't yet made the connection with COVID-19. Nevertheless, it is important to share the symptoms on social media with correct details so that research or a cure of the symptom can be initiated.

Food smelling like 'garbage' post COVID-19 recovery? You may be suffering from parosmia

The UK has reported the world's first omicron death in less than three weeks, this new variant has spread to more than 60 countries. Is India ready to contain Omicron? Palki Sharma tells you why India needs to prepare for a surge

Gravitas: Wuhan virus pandemic - Why India needs to prepare for a new surge

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a major backlash from his own MPs over new COVID-19 restrictions. Dozens of Conservative party have slammed new rules including face mask wearing, testing, self-isolation and vaccine passes.

UK PM Boris Johnson faces backlash over new COVID-19 rules

Amid the global spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, countries are stepping up measures to curb the spread of the virus. Let's take a look at some of these measures from across the world.

Coronavirus Pandemic Update: New York brings back mask mandate

<p>A day after Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor confirmed that she had tested positive for COVID-19, her residence was sanitised by Brihanmumbai Municipality Corporation. Kareena and her friend, actress Amrita Arora both tested positive on Monday.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Now reports have revealed that the actresses had attended filmmaker Karan Johar's party last week where one of the guests, designer Seema Khan had symptoms of COVID-19.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
News reports state that Seema Khan tested positive on December 11. Soon her friend and designer Maheep Kapoor too confirmed that she had contracted the disease along with Kareena Kapoor and Amrita Arora.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-kareena-kapoor-tests-positive-for-covid--19-reports-436545" hreflang="en">Kareena Kapoor tests positive for COVID -19: Reports</a><br />
<br />
On Tuesday, the BMC sent sanitation workers to both Johar as well as Kapoor's residence. Johar lives with his 78-year-old mother and four-year-old twins.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Johar had hosted a party last week at his home to celebrate the 20 years of 'Kabhi Khushi Khabhie Gham'. The party was also attended by Kareena's sister Karisma, Amrita's sister Malaika Arora and her beau, actor Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt.&nbsp;<br />
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The BMC has revealed that it was Seema Khan who first got COVID-19. It was at Karan's bash where Kareena and Amrita also got it.<br />
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BMC has reportedly made teams onward levels for contact tracing. They are getting details from the people who attended the party, based on which, more testing can be done. Over 15 close contacts have been traced by BMC.</p>

<p>BMC has also instructed the people who came in contact with either Kareena or Amrita, to undergo an RT-PCR test.&nbsp;</p>


A day after Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor confirmed that she had tested positive for COVID-19, her residence was sanitised by Brihanmumbai Municipality Corporation.

A day after Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor confirmed that she had tested positive for COVID-19, her residence was sanitised by Brihanmumbai Municipality Corporation. Kareena and her friend, actress Amrita Arora both tested positive on Monday. Now reports have revealed that the actresses had attended filmmaker Karan Johar's party last week where one of the guests, designer Seema Khan had symptoms of COVID-19. News reports state that Seema Khan tested positive on December 11. Soon her friend and designer Maheep Kapoor too confirmed that she had contracted the disease along with Kareena Kapoor and Amrita Arora. Kareena Kapoor tests positive for COVID -19: Reports On Tuesday, the BMC sent sanitation workers to both Johar as well as Kapoor's residence. Johar lives with his 78-year-old mother and four-year-old twins. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) × Johar had hosted a party last week at his home to celebrate the 20 years of 'Kabhi Khushi Khabhie Gham'. The party was also attended by Kareena's sister Karisma, Amrita's sister Malaika Arora and her beau, actor Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. The BMC has revealed that it was Seema Khan who first got COVID-19. It was at Karan's bash where Kareena and Amrita also got it. BMC has reportedly made teams onward levels for contact tracing. They are getting details from the people who attended the party, based on which, more testing can be done. Over 15 close contacts have been traced by BMC. BMC has also instructed the people who came in contact with either Kareena or Amrita, to undergo an RT-PCR test.

Kareena Kapoor got COVID-19 after attending Karan Johar's party last week: Reports

Due to COVID19 concerns, the US urges its citizens to avoid travel plans to Italy, Greenland & Mauritius. It has also classified 84 destinations at level 4.

COVID-19: the US urges citizens to avoid travel to Italy, Greenland & Mauritius

<p>Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola urged his players to get their COVID-19 vaccine booster shots and advised them to be careful amid a surge in cases in the United Kingdom.</p>

<p>British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday that at least one person has died in the UK after contracting the Omicron coronavirus variant.</p>

<p>The UK Health Security Agency said Omicron - first detected in South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong in late November - can overcome the immunity of those who have had two shots of vaccines such as AstraZeneca or Pfizer-BioNTech.</p>

<p>"Absolutely, the doctors suggest they have to do it," Guardiola told reporters on Monday when asked about players getting the booster shots.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-brentfords-boss-thomas-frank-expects-game-to-be-held-despite-man-utd-covid-19-scare-436644">Premier League: Brentford's boss Thomas Frank expects game to be held despite Man Utd COVID-19 scare</a></strong></p>

<p>"We speak with the players every day to say be careful. Stay healthy, wear masks, social distance.</p>

<p>"It's Christmas, the tendency is to party and go out. But the virus is still here. The virus doesn`t allow you to suffer much, but cases rise day by day, so just be careful."</p>

<p>Tottenham Hotspur recorded 13 COVID-19 cases at the club last week, while Leicester City and Manchester United were also affected by the virus.</p>

<p>City, top of the Premier League on 38 points after 16 games, are due to host 15th-placed Leeds United on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Guardiola said Leeds, who are 12 points behind City, will pose a challenge even in the absence of top striker Patrick Bamford and midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who are out injured.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-last-16-full-draw-psg-drawn-against-real-madrid-man-utd-to-take-on-atletico-madrid-436632">Champions League last 16 full draw: PSG drawn against Real Madrid, Man Utd to take on Atletico Madrid</a></strong></p>

<p>"Leeds is one of our toughest opponents," Guardiola said. "They play every week in a special unique way and we play against the special and unique way just two times a year. It is completely different to other opponents.</p>

<p>"Bamford was injured for a long time now, Phillips too... But if there is one person who doesn`t complain about what happens, it is Marcelo (Bielsa). He loves to work when the situation is tough."</p>

<p>Guardiola said all players are available for Tuesday's game except for the suspended Joao Cancelo and Ferran Torres, who is recovering from a foot injury.</p>


Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola urged his players to get their COVID-19 vaccine booster shots and advised them to be careful amid a surge in cases in the United Kingdom.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola urged his players to get their COVID-19 vaccine booster shots and advised them to be careful amid a surge in cases in the United Kingdom. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday that at least one person has died in the UK after contracting the Omicron coronavirus variant. The UK Health Security Agency said Omicron - first detected in South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong in late November - can overcome the immunity of those who have had two shots of vaccines such as AstraZeneca or Pfizer-BioNTech. "Absolutely, the doctors suggest they have to do it," Guardiola told reporters on Monday when asked about players getting the booster shots. ALSO READ: Premier League: Brentford's boss Thomas Frank expects game to be held despite Man Utd COVID-19 scare "We speak with the players every day to say be careful. Stay healthy, wear masks, social distance. "It's Christmas, the tendency is to party and go out. But the virus is still here. The virus doesn`t allow you to suffer much, but cases rise day by day, so just be careful." Tottenham Hotspur recorded 13 COVID-19 cases at the club last week, while Leicester City and Manchester United were also affected by the virus. City, top of the Premier League on 38 points after 16 games, are due to host 15th-placed Leeds United on Tuesday. Guardiola said Leeds, who are 12 points behind City, will pose a challenge even in the absence of top striker Patrick Bamford and midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who are out injured. ALSO READ: Champions League last 16 full draw: PSG drawn against Real Madrid, Man Utd to take on Atletico Madrid "Leeds is one of our toughest opponents," Guardiola said. "They play every week in a special unique way and we play against the special and unique way just two times a year. It is completely different to other opponents. "Bamford was injured for a long time now, Phillips too... But if there is one person who doesn`t complain about what happens, it is Marcelo (Bielsa). He loves to work when the situation is tough." Guardiola said all players are available for Tuesday's game except for the suspended Joao Cancelo and Ferran Torres, who is recovering from a foot injury.

Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola urges players to get COVID-19 booster shots amid scare

The European Union nations are ramping up measures to vaccinate their younger age group of 5-11 years old. This comes as the continent witnessed a massive surge in COVID-19 infections.

EU nations ramping up measures to vaccinate children aged 5-11

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is receiving treatment for mild COVID-19 symptoms after testing positive for the disease. Ramaphosa was fully vaccinated and is self-isolating in Cape Town.

Fully vaccinated South African President Cyril Ramaphosa tests positive for COVID-19

<p>China is struggling with fulfilling its claim of making the country COVID free for the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, scheduled to be held in February next year.</p>

<p>The Chinese authorities are willing and doing, everything that is required to keep the caseload to remain at zero. Despite strict protocols, some regions in China are reporting fresh cases daily.</p>

<p>China has implemented zero local transmissions, an official policy, at the cost of people's freedom and violation of rights.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tibetan-students-lock-themselves-to-olympic-rings-to-protest-beijing-winter-olympics-436100">Tibetan students lock themselves to Olympic rings to protest Beijing Winter Olympics</a></strong></p>

<p>Citing a CNN report, Hong Kong Post reported that despite the strict monitoring, "cases have been detected over the past week in the country's largest cities, from Beijing and Shanghai to Guangzhou".</p>

<p>However, China claims that Beijing is isolated from the rest of the country during the period of the Winter Games to ensure that the virus does not enter the capital city.</p>

<p>At the beginning of the week, at least 61 new cases of COVID-19 were reported from the Chinese mainland, as per local media.</p>

<p>The Winter Games are already controversial because several countries led by the United States announced a diplomatic boycott.</p>

<p>Canada is the latest country to join the diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, first initiated by the United States. The two other countries are Australia and the United Kingdom.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/senior-japanese-officials-to-skip-beijing-winter-olympics-in-a-diplomatic-boycott-report-436038">Senior Japanese officials to skip Beijing Winter Olympics in a diplomatic boycott - Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Human rights activists have raised their voices against China`s detention of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang province and crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.</p>

<p>In March, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union imposed sanctions on four Chinese officials and one entity for alleged human rights violations in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, according to Sputnik.&nbsp;</p>


China is struggling with fulfilling its claim of making the country COVID free for the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, scheduled to be held in February next year.

China is struggling with fulfilling its claim of making the country COVID free for the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, scheduled to be held in February next year. The Chinese authorities are willing and doing, everything that is required to keep the caseload to remain at zero. Despite strict protocols, some regions in China are reporting fresh cases daily. China has implemented zero local transmissions, an official policy, at the cost of people's freedom and violation of rights. ALSO READ: Tibetan students lock themselves to Olympic rings to protest Beijing Winter Olympics Citing a CNN report, Hong Kong Post reported that despite the strict monitoring, "cases have been detected over the past week in the country's largest cities, from Beijing and Shanghai to Guangzhou". However, China claims that Beijing is isolated from the rest of the country during the period of the Winter Games to ensure that the virus does not enter the capital city. At the beginning of the week, at least 61 new cases of COVID-19 were reported from the Chinese mainland, as per local media. The Winter Games are already controversial because several countries led by the United States announced a diplomatic boycott. Canada is the latest country to join the diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, first initiated by the United States. The two other countries are Australia and the United Kingdom. ALSO READ: Senior Japanese officials to skip Beijing Winter Olympics in a diplomatic boycott - Report Human rights activists have raised their voices against China`s detention of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang province and crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. In March, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union imposed sanctions on four Chinese officials and one entity for alleged human rights violations in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, according to Sputnik.

China worried about COVID-19 spoiling Beijing Winter Olympics 2022

With the COVID-19 pandemic and face masks becoming mandatory, there has been a whopping 9000% rise in plastic pollution due to face masks.

Study: 9000% rise in plastic pollution due to face masks

Travel restrictions around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic breathes fresh life into the ecosystem of Thailand's Phi Phi Islands, which was earlier on the verge of collapse due to rapid tourism.

COVID-19 pandemic breathes fresh life into the ecosystem of Thailand's Phi Phi Islands

In a shocking incident, Africa's Nigeria witnessed a huge wastage of the COVID-19 vaccine. Around one million doses of vaccine expired after not being utilized.

Around one million doses of COVID-19 vaccine wasted in Africa's Nigeria

As the Hanukkah holiday comes to an end and students in Israel head back to their classes. Young children are required to get tested for the COVID-19 before being allowed back to their school. WION's Jodie Cohen, brings you the details.

Israeli children return to schools after Hanukkah holidays

South Africa was the first country to detect the Omicron variant, since then it has dealt with a massive surge in coronavirus cases. But in the last few days the trend gave the impression that the situation was improving. For many this is a massive improvement in the country's COVID-19 battle. But the problem is South Africa's testing rates have also gone down.

South Africa: Daily cases reduce as COVID-19 testing goes down

Employers in New York City must require COVID-19 vaccinations for their workers under new rules announced by Mayor Bill de Blasio. This is the first-of-its-kind mandate for private-sector employees.

New York City introduces COVID-19 vaccine mandate for private sector employers

<p>The coronavirus pandemic which has already killed more than 5 million people around the world is far from over, and the next outbreak could be even worse, says a vaccine inventor.</p>

<p>As worries grow over the highly mutated Omicron variant, which has already been detected in more than 30 countries, Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, the creator of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, warned that this pandemic is not done with us.</p>

<p>In a report published Sunday night, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 86 additional Omicron cases, bringing the total number of cases to 246.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-scare-in-the-united-kingdom-new-cases-increase-by-50-in-a-single-day-434428" hreflang="en">Omicron scare: In the United Kingdom, new cases increase by 50% in a single day</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier this week, scientific advisers to ministers in the UK told them that the new variant was spreading rapidly in the country. They also said that the travel rules that start on Tuesday would not be enough to prevent a potential wave of infections.</p>

<p>In a lecture that will be broadcast on the BBC, Gilbert said that the next pandemic might be even more deadly, despite the destructive nature of the two-year pandemic which had already infected more than 265 million people.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-omicron-threat-as-big-as-the-hype-read-what-who-experts-say-434393">Is Omicron threat as big as the hype? Read what WHO experts say</a></strong></p>

<p>The virus will not be the last one to threaten our lives and livelihoods, she said. The truth is, the next one could be more disastrous. According to her, the next one may be more contagious or lethal, or both.</p>

<p>Gilbert noted that scientific advances made and knowledge gained from research fighting against coronavirus should not be lost.</p>

<p>In the face of all we have gone through, we cannot allow ourselves to be in such a situation that no funds are available for pandemic preparedness, in spite of the great economic losses we have sustained, she warned.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-heres-what-the-pandemic-will-look-like-in-2022-434239">Gravitas Plus: Here's what the pandemic will look like in 2022</a></strong></p>

<p>To defend against pandemics, she said, we must invest in people, research, manufacturing and institutions just as we invest in armed forces, intelligence, and diplomacy to defend against war.</p>

<p>Beginning on Tuesday, all passengers arriving in the UK will have to show proof of a negative PCR or lateral flow test carried out no earlier than 48 hours before departure. Additionally, the UK will add Nigeria to its travel red list on Monday.</p>


The coronavirus pandemic which has already killed more than 5 million people around the world is far from over, and the next outbreak could be even worse, says a vaccine inventor.

The coronavirus pandemic which has already killed more than 5 million people around the world is far from over, and the next outbreak could be even worse, says a vaccine inventor. As worries grow over the highly mutated Omicron variant, which has already been detected in more than 30 countries, Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, the creator of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, warned that this pandemic is not done with us. In a report published Sunday night, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 86 additional Omicron cases, bringing the total number of cases to 246. Also read | Omicron scare: In the United Kingdom, new cases increase by 50% in a single day Earlier this week, scientific advisers to ministers in the UK told them that the new variant was spreading rapidly in the country. They also said that the travel rules that start on Tuesday would not be enough to prevent a potential wave of infections. In a lecture that will be broadcast on the BBC, Gilbert said that the next pandemic might be even more deadly, despite the destructive nature of the two-year pandemic which had already infected more than 265 million people. Also read | Is Omicron threat as big as the hype? Read what WHO experts say The virus will not be the last one to threaten our lives and livelihoods, she said. The truth is, the next one could be more disastrous. According to her, the next one may be more contagious or lethal, or both. Gilbert noted that scientific advances made and knowledge gained from research fighting against coronavirus should not be lost. In the face of all we have gone through, we cannot allow ourselves to be in such a situation that no funds are available for pandemic preparedness, in spite of the great economic losses we have sustained, she warned. Also read | Gravitas Plus: Here's what the pandemic will look like in 2022 To defend against pandemics, she said, we must invest in people, research, manufacturing and institutions just as we invest in armed forces, intelligence, and diplomacy to defend against war. Beginning on Tuesday, all passengers arriving in the UK will have to show proof of a negative PCR or lateral flow test carried out no earlier than 48 hours before departure. Additionally, the UK will add Nigeria to its travel red list on Monday.

Next outbreak could be worse, warns Oxford vaccine maker

<p>The European Union is not expected to ease Omicron travel curbs on southern African countries, Reuters said citing three sources. EU health ministers will discuss coronavirus pandemic and spread of Omicron variant on Tuesday.</p>

<p>EU states had agreed to &nbsp;impose travel curbs on travellers coming from seven southern African countries. This was done after these countries reported Omicron variant which is considered more infectious than previous variants</p>

<p>Bloomberg News, citing one diplomat familiar with the matter, reported on Monday that EU health ministers at a meeting on Tuesday may agree on the need for a PCR test for vaccinated third-country nationals from that region, which could allow some travel bans to be eased or lifted within a week.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-spreads-in-south-africa-as-president-ramaphosa-urges-vaccination-434673">Omicron spreads in South Africa as President Ramaphosa urges vaccination</a></strong></p>

<p>The travel ban "was meant always as a time-limited measure", one senior EU official told Reuters, adding however that there was no plan at the moment to lift it. "We are not yet working in that direction."</p>

<p>Another two EU sources familiar with the work of health ministers said no decision on travel bans was expected at Tuesday's meeting.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-resulted-in-alarming-increase-in-malaria-deaths-who-434686">Coronavirus pandemic resulted in alarming increase in malaria deaths: WHO</a></strong></p>

<p>Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe are the southern African countries that have been targeted.</p>

<p>South Africa has criticised the travel ban which it said penalised the country for having the expertise to first identify the variant. The United States, Britain and many other countries imposed bans similar to those of the EU.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The European Union is not expected to ease Omicron travel curbs on southern African countries, Reuters said citing three sources. EU health ministers will discuss coronavirus pandemic and spread of Omicron variant on Tuesday.

The European Union is not expected to ease Omicron travel curbs on southern African countries, Reuters said citing three sources. EU health ministers will discuss coronavirus pandemic and spread of Omicron variant on Tuesday. EU states had agreed to impose travel curbs on travellers coming from seven southern African countries. This was done after these countries reported Omicron variant which is considered more infectious than previous variants Bloomberg News, citing one diplomat familiar with the matter, reported on Monday that EU health ministers at a meeting on Tuesday may agree on the need for a PCR test for vaccinated third-country nationals from that region, which could allow some travel bans to be eased or lifted within a week. Also Read | Omicron spreads in South Africa as President Ramaphosa urges vaccination The travel ban "was meant always as a time-limited measure", one senior EU official told Reuters, adding however that there was no plan at the moment to lift it. "We are not yet working in that direction." Another two EU sources familiar with the work of health ministers said no decision on travel bans was expected at Tuesday's meeting. Also Read | Coronavirus pandemic resulted in alarming increase in malaria deaths: WHO Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe are the southern African countries that have been targeted. South Africa has criticised the travel ban which it said penalised the country for having the expertise to first identify the variant. The United States, Britain and many other countries imposed bans similar to those of the EU. (With inputs from agencies)

EU unlikely to lift Omicron travel curbs on southern African countries

India has achieved another milestone in the vaccination campaign against coronavirus with over half of the country's adult population, which means 50 percent of the people over the age of 18 years have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

India achieves new COVID-19 vaccine milestone, 50% of adults fully vaccinated

According to a report, Africa has little chance of overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic unless 70% of its population is vaccinated by end-2022, yet “extreme vaccine discrimination” is leaving the continent behind.

Africa has little chance of overcoming COVID-19, says report

After 18 months of covid-19 restrictions, Budapest is slowly limping its way back to normal life. People preparing for the Christmas festivities. But not everyone can get into the Christmas market though. Only those who are double vaccinated and have no covid symptoms are allowed in.

So how is Budapest gearing up for the festive season?

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