A little after concluding the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, Japan has announced that Covid curbs will now be extended until the end of September for the capital city.

The government has decided to extend the restrictions to make sure that the spread of the virus does not become that bad that hospitals face an uncontrollable situation in the upcoming weeks and months.

Japan’s Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said the capital city Tokyo will stay under regulations. While the minister admitted that the situation is getting better, he also added that it is "still too early to lower our guard".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-japanese-pm-resigns-over-bungled-covid-response-410561">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-japanese-pm-resigns-over-bungled-covid-response-410561/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Tokyo is one of the main regions, along with 18 other areas which are being put under strict Covid restrictions. Osaka and Tokyo have been shifted to "priority measures" which means targeted restrictions will be implemented in these two cities.

Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has urged the health experts and government officials to make sure that the government is ready with plans for October and the following months.

"We will be easing restrictions by using certificates of (COVID-19) vaccination and negative test results, and setting a path toward normalizing social and economic activities," he said.

This decision has come a little after Suga announced that he will soon be resigning from the post of Prime Minister and his priority will be controlling the spread of coronavirus and bringing Japan out of the Covid crisis.

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A little after concluding the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, Japan has announced that Covid curbs will now be extended until the end of September for the capital city.

A little after concluding the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, Japan has announced that Covid curbs will now be extended until the end of September for the capital city. The government has decided to extend the restrictions to make sure that the spread of the virus does not become that bad that hospitals face an uncontrollable situation in the upcoming weeks and months. Japan’s Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said the capital city Tokyo will stay under regulations. While the minister admitted that the situation is getting better, he also added that it is "still too early to lower our guard". WATCH | Tokyo is one of the main regions, along with 18 other areas which are being put under strict Covid restrictions. Osaka and Tokyo have been shifted to "priority measures" which means targeted restrictions will be implemented in these two cities. Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has urged the health experts and government officials to make sure that the government is ready with plans for October and the following months. "We will be easing restrictions by using certificates of (COVID-19) vaccination and negative test results, and setting a path toward normalizing social and economic activities," he said. This decision has come a little after Suga announced that he will soon be resigning from the post of Prime Minister and his priority will be controlling the spread of coronavirus and bringing Japan out of the Covid crisis.

Japan extends Covid curbs in Tokyo till September end

Turkey has eased quarantine rules for travelers from India from today, in a move that will help increase people to people engagement.

One of the key relaxations will be for people who have been vaccinated with Covishield —&nbsp;both doses will be exempted from mandatory quarantine.

A release by the Turkish embassy in Delhi said, "Passengers who certify that they have had at least two&nbsp;doses (single dose for Johnson and Johnson) of the vaccines approved for emergency use by the World Health Organization or Turkey, provided that at least 14 days have passed since the last dose, will be exempted from mandatory quarantine".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-long-covid-be-linked-to-dementia-410574">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-long-covid-be-linked-to-dementia-410574/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Covishield&nbsp;has been approved for emergency use by the World Health Organization.

All travelers from India must submit a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival — something that is a requirement globally as well. When it comes to passengers under the age of 12, they are exempted from PCR test and vaccination certificate application on entry.

Speaking exclusively to WION on Friday, Turkey's envoy to Delhi, Firat Sunel said, "In light of the recent updated quarantine regulations for passengers from India to Turkey, more Indian tourists will benefit from the beauties of Turkey and hospitalities of Turkish people."

Meanwhile, travelers from India who are not able to present double dose vaccination certificate will have to quarantine at their declared residence or the address provided by them. After 10 days of their arrival, the travelers will have to go through a&nbsp;PCR test and they will be permitted to go out if it comes out negative. A positive test, however, will keep them quarantined under the COVID-19 guidelines of the health ministry.

Turkey has eased quarantine rules for travelers from India from today, in a move that will help increase people to people engagement. One of the key relaxations will be for people who have been vaccinated with Covishield — both doses will be exempted from mandatory quarantine.

Turkey has eased quarantine rules for travelers from India from today, in a move that will help increase people to people engagement. One of the key relaxations will be for people who have been vaccinated with Covishield — both doses will be exempted from mandatory quarantine. A release by the Turkish embassy in Delhi said, "Passengers who certify that they have had at least two doses (single dose for Johnson and Johnson) of the vaccines approved for emergency use by the World Health Organization or Turkey, provided that at least 14 days have passed since the last dose, will be exempted from mandatory quarantine". WATCH | Covishield has been approved for emergency use by the World Health Organization. All travelers from India must submit a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival — something that is a requirement globally as well. When it comes to passengers under the age of 12, they are exempted from PCR test and vaccination certificate application on entry. Speaking exclusively to WION on Friday, Turkey's envoy to Delhi, Firat Sunel said, "In light of the recent updated quarantine regulations for passengers from India to Turkey, more Indian tourists will benefit from the beauties of Turkey and hospitalities of Turkish people." Meanwhile, travelers from India who are not able to present double dose vaccination certificate will have to quarantine at their declared residence or the address provided by them. After 10 days of their arrival, the travelers will have to go through a PCR test and they will be permitted to go out if it comes out negative. A positive test, however, will keep them quarantined under the COVID-19 guidelines of the health ministry.

Turkey eases quarantine rules for travelers from India

Many Londoners appeared to be apprehensive on Monday about the Boris Johnson administration's decision of lifting Covid restrictions across England.

Britain has one of the world's highest death tolls from Covid. The country is facing a new wave of cases. However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is pushing ahead with lifting of restrictions.

After rushing to vaccinate its population faster than almost all other European countries, the government is betting that England can reopen as fully vaccinated people are less likely to get seriously ill with COVID-19.

Reuters quoted some of the Londoners who expressed apprehension about lifting of restrictions.

Retiree Wendy Bryant, 66, told Reuters she thought the lifting of rules, including law-mandated mask-wearing, happened too quickly and that Johnson "bowed to pressure from large businesses".

Surveyor Jordan Buche, 42, said he was "caught in two minds" and felt nervous about the restrictions coming to an end. He was also unsure about whether he should continue to wear a mask in shops and on public transport.

British society appears split on the restrictions: some want tough rules to continue as they fear the virus will keep killing people, but others have chafed at the most onerous restrictions in peacetime history.

Business owners - including nightclubs, travel companies and the hospitality industry - have been desperate to reopen the economy while many students, young people and parents have disregarded many of the most onerous rules.

(With inputs from agencies)

Many Londoners appeared to be apprehensive on Monday about the Boris Johnson administration's decision of lifting Covid restrictions across England. Britain has one of the world's highest death tolls from Covid.

Many Londoners appeared to be apprehensive on Monday about the Boris Johnson administration's decision of lifting Covid restrictions across England. Britain has one of the world's highest death tolls from Covid. The country is facing a new wave of cases. However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is pushing ahead with lifting of restrictions. After rushing to vaccinate its population faster than almost all other European countries, the government is betting that England can reopen as fully vaccinated people are less likely to get seriously ill with COVID-19. Reuters quoted some of the Londoners who expressed apprehension about lifting of restrictions. Retiree Wendy Bryant, 66, told Reuters she thought the lifting of rules, including law-mandated mask-wearing, happened too quickly and that Johnson "bowed to pressure from large businesses". Surveyor Jordan Buche, 42, said he was "caught in two minds" and felt nervous about the restrictions coming to an end. He was also unsure about whether he should continue to wear a mask in shops and on public transport. British society appears split on the restrictions: some want tough rules to continue as they fear the virus will keep killing people, but others have chafed at the most onerous restrictions in peacetime history. Business owners - including nightclubs, travel companies and the hospitality industry - have been desperate to reopen the economy while many students, young people and parents have disregarded many of the most onerous rules. (With inputs from agencies)

Nervous Londoners think it's 'too early' to end Covid restrictions

As coronavirus cases decreased in Scotland, the government has decided to lift all <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid restrictions</a> except face masks.

Scotland has decided to move to level zero of Covid restrictions from July 19. However, face masks will be mandatory for some more time.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-johnson-johnson-vaccine-can-cause-rare-neurological-complication-warns-us-fda-397718" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine can cause rare neurological complication, warns US FDA</a>

As per the 'level zero', locals will now be allowed to meet indoors and attend weddings or funerals. However, people will still be asked to work from home and outdoor meetings will be limited to a certain number that will be revealed soon.

For now, up to eight adults from four households can have indoor gatherings and 10 people can gather in a restaurant or a pub. Additionally, up to 15 people from 15 households can have outdoor gatherings and 200 people are allowed in weddings and funerals.

While many locals were hoping for total scrapping of Covid regulations, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the lifting of restrictions has been planned while&nbsp;keeping in mind the spread of Delta variant in other countries.

Also read |<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/drinking-coffee-reduces-risk-of-contracting-coronavirus-study-397490" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/drinking-coffee-reduces-risk-of-contracting-coronavirus-study-397490&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi81dXcrODxAhWeyzgGHURECrQQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0KwpjiCrlFu_J6PoFKxUe9" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/drinking-coffee-reduces-risk-of-contracting-coronavirus-study-397490" target="_blank">Drinking coffee reduces risk of contracting&nbsp;coronavirus: Study</a>

The government is also hoping to remove the requirement of close contacts of Covid positive people to self-isolate of they have been fully vaccinated. In addition to this, authorities are also yet to decide whether school children of close contacts of Covid positive people will have to self-isolate or not.

As per the new guidelines, all fully vaccinated people who will be returning from amber list countries will not be asked to quarantine now, as long as they test negative upon arrival.

"We must stick to a cautious approach. We are easing restrictions next week, but we are not abandoning them," Sturgeon said. "And even when we move beyond level zero, we will continue to require some baseline measures such as face coverings."

As coronavirus cases decreased in Scotland, the government has decided to lift all Covid restrictions except face masks. Scotland has decided to move to level zero of Covid restrictions from July 19.

As coronavirus cases decreased in Scotland, the government has decided to lift all Covid restrictions except face masks. Scotland has decided to move to level zero of Covid restrictions from July 19. However, face masks will be mandatory for some more time. Also read | COVID-19: Johnson & Johnson vaccine can cause rare neurological complication, warns US FDA As per the 'level zero', locals will now be allowed to meet indoors and attend weddings or funerals. However, people will still be asked to work from home and outdoor meetings will be limited to a certain number that will be revealed soon. For now, up to eight adults from four households can have indoor gatherings and 10 people can gather in a restaurant or a pub. Additionally, up to 15 people from 15 households can have outdoor gatherings and 200 people are allowed in weddings and funerals. While many locals were hoping for total scrapping of Covid regulations, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the lifting of restrictions has been planned while keeping in mind the spread of Delta variant in other countries. Also read |Drinking coffee reduces risk of contracting coronavirus: Study The government is also hoping to remove the requirement of close contacts of Covid positive people to self-isolate of they have been fully vaccinated. In addition to this, authorities are also yet to decide whether school children of close contacts of Covid positive people will have to self-isolate or not. As per the new guidelines, all fully vaccinated people who will be returning from amber list countries will not be asked to quarantine now, as long as they test negative upon arrival. "We must stick to a cautious approach. We are easing restrictions next week, but we are not abandoning them," Sturgeon said. "And even when we move beyond level zero, we will continue to require some baseline measures such as face coverings."

Scotland to adopt 'zero level' Covid restrictions; face masks remain compulsory

South Africa has extended COVID-19 lockdown restrictions until 25 July as the country has recorded a rise in the number of infections. All social, political and other gatherings remain prohibited in the country while a curfew remains in place from 9 pm to 4 am.

South Africa extends COVID-19 restrictions with certain relaxations amid rising infections

The UK vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi said the government is confident that plans to lift a range of COVID-19 restrictions will go ahead on July 19 in England but mask-wearing in indoor enclosed places will be expected.

UK govt to lift range of COVID-19 restrictions from July 19

Thai health ministry on Thursday said that it had proposed new travel curbs alongwith tighter restrictions in high-risk areas in order to contain COVID-19 cases. The country reported a daily record of 75 deaths from coronavirus.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is due to consider the new restrictions in a meeting on Friday.

"We may need to impose tougher restriction to limit travel, stop group activities, close more facilities and take other measures that are necessary," Prayuth said, adding a decision would be announced after the COVID-19 task force meeting.

Health ministry has proposed measures to limit people's travel from their home and curb on inter-provincial travel. The ministry has also proposed closing non-essential venues and areas that attract crowds.

The rules would be in place for 14 days and would cover the Bangkok metropolitan area and "buffer zones", Kiatiphum said, without elaborating.

"This has similar intensity as April 2020," he said referring to lockdown measures last year that included a nationwide curfew.

Currently, Thailand has in place measures in "high-risk zones", including Bangkok and surrounding provinces, to close malls early and prohibit dining in at restaurants, but they have not been able to halt an acceleration of infections in the past month.

The health ministry has also been expanding hospital capacity in Bangkok including a plan to convert the newly built terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport into a field hospital with 5,000 beds by August.

Thailand's COVID-19 task force on Thursday reported 7,058 new coronavirus cases, taking the total number in the country to 308,230. The country has recorded 2,462 fatalities since the pandemic started last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thai health ministry on Thursday said that it had proposed new travel curbs alongwith tighter restrictions in high-risk areas in order to contain COVID-19 cases.

Thai health ministry on Thursday said that it had proposed new travel curbs alongwith tighter restrictions in high-risk areas in order to contain COVID-19 cases. The country reported a daily record of 75 deaths from coronavirus. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is due to consider the new restrictions in a meeting on Friday. "We may need to impose tougher restriction to limit travel, stop group activities, close more facilities and take other measures that are necessary," Prayuth said, adding a decision would be announced after the COVID-19 task force meeting. Health ministry has proposed measures to limit people's travel from their home and curb on inter-provincial travel. The ministry has also proposed closing non-essential venues and areas that attract crowds. The rules would be in place for 14 days and would cover the Bangkok metropolitan area and "buffer zones", Kiatiphum said, without elaborating. "This has similar intensity as April 2020," he said referring to lockdown measures last year that included a nationwide curfew. Currently, Thailand has in place measures in "high-risk zones", including Bangkok and surrounding provinces, to close malls early and prohibit dining in at restaurants, but they have not been able to halt an acceleration of infections in the past month. The health ministry has also been expanding hospital capacity in Bangkok including a plan to convert the newly built terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport into a field hospital with 5,000 beds by August. Thailand's COVID-19 task force on Thursday reported 7,058 new coronavirus cases, taking the total number in the country to 308,230. The country has recorded 2,462 fatalities since the pandemic started last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Thailand mulls tighter restrictions as Covid deaths climb

Once hailed for its quick and successful vaccine programme, Israel is now once again at its defensive front to contain a surge in coronavirus cases.

The Israeli health ministry has decided to reimpose the rule to wear a mask in enclosed public places as the cases have increased alarmingly in the past week.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-delta-variant-is-infecting-vaccinated-people-says-israel-393811">COVID-19: Delta variant is infecting vaccinated people, says Israel</a>

This decision was taken as Israel recorded more than 100 cases for the fourth consecutive day in the past week, which poses a risk of sending the country into another lockdown.

To avoid another lockdown and a drop in the economy, the head of Israel’s pandemic response task force, Nachman Ash, has urged people to mask up in public places and avoid stepping outdoors whenever possible.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/meet-nesher-ramla-homo-a-new-type-of-early-human-discovered-in-israel-393895">WATCH |</a>&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/meet-nesher-ramla-homo-a-new-type-of-early-human-discovered-in-israel-393895/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The medical authorities believe the sudden rise in cases might be due to the new Delta variant which was labelled as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization. The Delta variant is believed to be more transmissible and has resulted in surge of coronavirus cases in many countries such as India and the UK.

Once hailed for its quick and successful vaccine programme, Israel is now once again at its defensive front to contain a surge in coronavirus cases. The Israeli health ministry has decided to reimpose the rule to wear a mask in enclosed public places as the cases have increased alarmingly in the past week.

Once hailed for its quick and successful vaccine programme, Israel is now once again at its defensive front to contain a surge in coronavirus cases. The Israeli health ministry has decided to reimpose the rule to wear a mask in enclosed public places as the cases have increased alarmingly in the past week. Also read | COVID-19: Delta variant is infecting vaccinated people, says Israel This decision was taken as Israel recorded more than 100 cases for the fourth consecutive day in the past week, which poses a risk of sending the country into another lockdown. To avoid another lockdown and a drop in the economy, the head of Israel’s pandemic response task force, Nachman Ash, has urged people to mask up in public places and avoid stepping outdoors whenever possible. WATCH | The medical authorities believe the sudden rise in cases might be due to the new Delta variant which was labelled as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization. The Delta variant is believed to be more transmissible and has resulted in surge of coronavirus cases in many countries such as India and the UK.

Israel: Masks compulsory in outdoor public places amid surge in Covid cases

Spain&nbsp;will lift the legal requirement to wear a mask outdoors from June 26, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Friday.&nbsp;

"This will be the last weekend when we wear masks outdoors because next June 26 we won't have to wear masks in outdoor public spaces," he said.

The lifting is to be approved at a special cabinet meeting on Thursday, Sanchez said on a visit to Barcelona.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-opens-borders-to-vaccinated-travellers-as-tourists-begin-arriving-389994">Spain opens borders to vaccinated travellers as tourists begin arriving</a>

"In the coming days, our streets and our faces will regain their normal appearance," he said, hailing it as a "very important decision from a social point of view".&nbsp;

"We will start to enjoy life in the street without wearing a mask."

Masks first became obligatory on public transport in early May 2020 in a bid to reduce <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> infections, and within weeks were made compulsory in the street for anyone aged six and above.&nbsp;

Anyone violating the rules has faced a fine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-celebrates-end-of-lockdown-expert-warns-pandemic-isnt-over-384014">Spain celebrates end of lockdown, expert warns pandemic isn't over</a>

Earlier this year,&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;briefly introduced a law making masks obligatory at all times on the beach but after a backlash it was amended, meaning they weren't necessary while sunbathing or swimming if social distancing was respected.

Spain&nbsp;has so far lost over 80,000 lives to the virus and counted more than 3.7 million cases.&nbsp;

Spain will lift the legal requirement to wear a mask outdoors from June 26, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Friday. "This will be the last weekend when we wear masks outdoors because next June 26 we won't have to wear masks in outdoor public spaces," he said.

Spain will lift the legal requirement to wear a mask outdoors from June 26, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Friday. "This will be the last weekend when we wear masks outdoors because next June 26 we won't have to wear masks in outdoor public spaces," he said. The lifting is to be approved at a special cabinet meeting on Thursday, Sanchez said on a visit to Barcelona. Also read | Spain opens borders to vaccinated travellers as tourists begin arriving "In the coming days, our streets and our faces will regain their normal appearance," he said, hailing it as a "very important decision from a social point of view". "We will start to enjoy life in the street without wearing a mask." Masks first became obligatory on public transport in early May 2020 in a bid to reduce COVID-19 infections, and within weeks were made compulsory in the street for anyone aged six and above. Anyone violating the rules has faced a fine. Also read | Spain celebrates end of lockdown, expert warns pandemic isn't over Earlier this year, Spain briefly introduced a law making masks obligatory at all times on the beach but after a backlash it was amended, meaning they weren't necessary while sunbathing or swimming if social distancing was respected. Spain has so far lost over 80,000 lives to the virus and counted more than 3.7 million cases.

Spain to lift outdoor mask requirement from June 26: PM

During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Microsoft employees slept in the company's data centres, according to Kristen Roby Dimlow, a Microsoft Human Resources Executive.&nbsp;

"In certain countries, there was huge lockdown...so we'd have our employees choose to sleep in the data centre," she said. "They were worried they'd get stuck at a roadblock, trying to go home," she said.

Remote working was impossible for some Microsoft employees in technical roles. Some employees at sites that house servers for Microsoft's online services, such as Microsoft Teams, were among those affected, CNBC reported.&nbsp;

If data-centre staff didn't want to come on-site during the epidemic, the corporation allowed them to work from home as much as possible.

Data centres, on the whole, are not locations where people sleep. Aisles can be hot from the air coming off servers and cold from the air conditioning used to keep the machines from overheating.&nbsp;

Greenpeace published a report in 2011 that ranked the top 10 cloud computing companies based on the sources of electricity used in their data centres.

Data centres consumed up to 2% of all worldwide electricity at the time, and this figure was expected to rise.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Microsoft employees slept in the company's data centres, according to Kristen Roby Dimlow, a Microsoft Human Resources Executive.

During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Microsoft employees slept in the company's data centres, according to Kristen Roby Dimlow, a Microsoft Human Resources Executive. "In certain countries, there was huge lockdown...so we'd have our employees choose to sleep in the data centre," she said. "They were worried they'd get stuck at a roadblock, trying to go home," she said. Remote working was impossible for some Microsoft employees in technical roles. Some employees at sites that house servers for Microsoft's online services, such as Microsoft Teams, were among those affected, CNBC reported. If data-centre staff didn't want to come on-site during the epidemic, the corporation allowed them to work from home as much as possible. Data centres, on the whole, are not locations where people sleep. Aisles can be hot from the air coming off servers and cold from the air conditioning used to keep the machines from overheating. Greenpeace published a report in 2011 that ranked the top 10 cloud computing companies based on the sources of electricity used in their data centres. Data centres consumed up to 2% of all worldwide electricity at the time, and this figure was expected to rise. (With inputs from agencies)

Unable to travel home, Microsoft staff slept in data centres during COVID-19 lockdown: Executive

People in Bangladesh ignored social distancing and other COVID-19 restrictions as they made their way back to their families to celebrate Eid. Despite nationwide lockdown in several check points tens of thousands of people managed to leave the capital Dhaka.

Bangladesh: People ignored COVID-19 restrictions to make their way back home for Eid

Bangladesh government has banned inter district travel in an effort to control the surge of Coronavirus. However, with the festival of Eid approaching thousand of migrant workers and people from different region are defying COVID-19 restrictions to return to their native villages and celebrate Eid with their families.

Bangladesh: People defy COVID-19 restrictions to rush home for Eid

Palestinian hospitals are overfull and Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are operating 100 per cent capacity with coronavirus patients as neighbouring country Israel has begun to lift COVID restrictions.

100% occupancy in Palestinian hospitals as Israel loosens COVID restrictions

Germany has defended its border restrictions with Austria and the Czech Republic. The European Nation has said that these curbs are temporary measures and the last resort to avoid lockdown restrictions.

Germany restricts borders with Austria, Czech Republic

Demonstrations against the controversial security bills continue to take place in Paris despite the heavy snowfall and COVID restrictions. Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Paris on Saturday carrying banners with slogans.

Thousands take to streets in France against controversial Security Bill

The fast-spreading new coronavirus variant has led to several countries around the world imposing bans and restrictions on travel to the nation -- impacting a number of expats.

But a company in the UK has come to the rescue of such people -- a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively.

Relocation website My Baggage has dreamed up a special gift for homesick residents.

The company is currently selling bottles of "authentic" air from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to provide UK residents overseas with the scent of home.

Priced at £25 (around $33,) the 500 milliliter bottle comes with a cork stopper, so the recipient can keep opening it up and taking in the aroma whenever they need a pick-me-up.

The company is also open to take on special requests for any other specific UK locations.

A Canadian company Vitality Air is also offering canisters of fresh air from the Rocky Mountains to Chinese buyers, with prices starting at $52.99 for a pack of two 8 liter bottles, while Swiss company Swissbreeze sells air from the mountain regions of the Central European country for under $20 for an 8 liter bottle.

(with inputs)

The fast-spreading new coronavirus variant has led to several countries around the world imposing bans and restrictions on travel to the nation -- impacting a number of expats.

The fast-spreading new coronavirus variant has led to several countries around the world imposing bans and restrictions on travel to the nation -- impacting a number of expats. But a company in the UK has come to the rescue of such people -- a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively. Relocation website My Baggage has dreamed up a special gift for homesick residents. The company is currently selling bottles of "authentic" air from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to provide UK residents overseas with the scent of home. Priced at £25 (around $33,) the 500 milliliter bottle comes with a cork stopper, so the recipient can keep opening it up and taking in the aroma whenever they need a pick-me-up. The company is also open to take on special requests for any other specific UK locations. A Canadian company Vitality Air is also offering canisters of fresh air from the Rocky Mountains to Chinese buyers, with prices starting at $52.99 for a pack of two 8 liter bottles, while Swiss company Swissbreeze sells air from the mountain regions of the Central European country for under $20 for an 8 liter bottle. (with inputs)

Company in Britain launches $33 bottles of 'authentic' air for homesick expats

London on Wednesday moved into the highest level of coronavirus restrictions in an effort to control rising infection rates, dealing another blow to hospitality venues before Christmas. 
 
The British capital's move into "Tier 3" means theatres, pubs, restaurants will have to close, although takeaway food outlets can still operate.

People cannot now socialise with anyone not from their household or support bubble but can meet in groups of up to six in public places outside.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned on Monday that London had seen a "sharp rise" in daily cases and hospital admissions.

"This action is absolutely essential, not just to keep people safe but because we have seen early action can prevent more damage and longer-term problems later," he told parliament.

Cases were doubling every seven days in some areas, he said, sounding a more downbeat note after hopes of a breakthrough were raised last week with the start of a vaccination programme.

Concerns have also been raised about higher rates of infection among secondary school children aged 11-18, leading to increased testing in the worst-hit areas in and around London.

England only emerged from a four-week lockdown earlier this month, and the government introduced a targeted regional system of tiers to try to cut infection rates.

London had been placed in "Tier 2", which means non-essential shops and services can open, but it currently has one of the highest infection rates in the country.

Under Tier 3, essential shops and hairdressers can still stay open, as can schools but not indoor entertainment venues.

Christmas plans

The government is under pressure to review its Christmas plans, under which there will be a five-day relaxation in the rules to allow free travel and for up to three households to meet.

The British Medical Journal (BMJ) and the Health Service Journal (HSJ) on Tuesday warned the plan could lead to the state-run National Health Service (NHS) being overwhelmed.

"We believe the government is about to blunder into another major error that will cost many lives," the BMJ and HSJ said in their second joint editorial in a century.

"Rather than lifting restrictions over Christmas as currently planned, the UK should follow the more cautious examples of Germany, Italy and the Netherlands," they said.

Government minister Steve Barclay said "all things were kept under review" and urged people to "do the minimum" if they visit family over the holidays.

London's vibrant hospitality sector has been devastated by the virus regulations, and will now feel more pain as it is forced to close in the run-up to Christmas, normally it busiest time.

Britain's unemployment rate hit its highest level in four years as a result of the pandemic, rising to 4.9 percent in the three months to the end of October, official statistics indicated.

More than a third of the 819,000 job losses since the start of the UK pandemic in March were in the hospitality sector.

Parts of the counties of Essex, Kent and Hertfordshire, which border London, also entered Tier 3 on Wednesday.

A full review of the restrictions for each English region will take place later on Wednesday.

Britain has been one of the worst affected countries in the pandemic, registering nearly 65,000 deaths from just under 1.9 million positive cases, according to government figures.

London on Wednesday moved into the highest level of coronavirus restrictions in an effort to control rising infection rates, dealing another blow to hospitality venues before Christmas.

London on Wednesday moved into the highest level of coronavirus restrictions in an effort to control rising infection rates, dealing another blow to hospitality venues before Christmas. The British capital's move into "Tier 3" means theatres, pubs, restaurants will have to close, although takeaway food outlets can still operate. People cannot now socialise with anyone not from their household or support bubble but can meet in groups of up to six in public places outside. Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned on Monday that London had seen a "sharp rise" in daily cases and hospital admissions. "This action is absolutely essential, not just to keep people safe but because we have seen early action can prevent more damage and longer-term problems later," he told parliament. Cases were doubling every seven days in some areas, he said, sounding a more downbeat note after hopes of a breakthrough were raised last week with the start of a vaccination programme. Concerns have also been raised about higher rates of infection among secondary school children aged 11-18, leading to increased testing in the worst-hit areas in and around London. England only emerged from a four-week lockdown earlier this month, and the government introduced a targeted regional system of tiers to try to cut infection rates. London had been placed in "Tier 2", which means non-essential shops and services can open, but it currently has one of the highest infection rates in the country. Under Tier 3, essential shops and hairdressers can still stay open, as can schools but not indoor entertainment venues. Christmas plans The government is under pressure to review its Christmas plans, under which there will be a five-day relaxation in the rules to allow free travel and for up to three households to meet. The British Medical Journal (BMJ) and the Health Service Journal (HSJ) on Tuesday warned the plan could lead to the state-run National Health Service (NHS) being overwhelmed. "We believe the government is about to blunder into another major error that will cost many lives," the BMJ and HSJ said in their second joint editorial in a century. "Rather than lifting restrictions over Christmas as currently planned, the UK should follow the more cautious examples of Germany, Italy and the Netherlands," they said. Government minister Steve Barclay said "all things were kept under review" and urged people to "do the minimum" if they visit family over the holidays. London's vibrant hospitality sector has been devastated by the virus regulations, and will now feel more pain as it is forced to close in the run-up to Christmas, normally it busiest time. Britain's unemployment rate hit its highest level in four years as a result of the pandemic, rising to 4.9 percent in the three months to the end of October, official statistics indicated. More than a third of the 819,000 job losses since the start of the UK pandemic in March were in the hospitality sector. Parts of the counties of Essex, Kent and Hertfordshire, which border London, also entered Tier 3 on Wednesday. A full review of the restrictions for each English region will take place later on Wednesday. Britain has been one of the worst affected countries in the pandemic, registering nearly 65,000 deaths from just under 1.9 million positive cases, according to government figures.

London faces highest level of Covid restrictions amid rise in cases

St. Nicholas is keeping tradition alive and is speaking with children by video conference, as COVID restrictions in Belgium prevent him from seeing them face to face.

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