The Great Reopening
After months of COVID-19 closure, Australia fully reopens borders to international visitors
It has been understood that Australia's outbreak of the Omicron coronavirus variant has passed its peak
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Britain plans to remove self-isolation mandate for Covid patients
If such relaxation comes into force, it will make Britain will become first major European country to allow people who know they are infected with COVID-19 to freely use shops, public transport…
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Chinese New Year parade returns to San Francisco after COVID-19 hiatus
The holiday also brought hope for some in the Asian and Asian-American communities, which have suffered from rising rates of hate crimes during the past two years
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Covid fails to deter luxury sector
UBS analysts estimate that top brands such as Louis Vuitton, which is owned by industry leader LVMH, have raised their prices two-and-a-half times higher than the inflation rate over the past 20…
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Hermit kingdom no longer: Western Australia to open borders after two years
Widely labelled the hermit kingdom, Western Australia has stood out for its "hard border", while other Australian states have adjusted their border policies depending on the severity of the…
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Norway scraps all social distancing measures amid a surge in Omicron cases
He, however, stressed that "the pandemic is not over", and advised unvaccinated people to continue practising social distancing and wear masks at places where social distancing is not possible
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Belgium to reopen nightclubs, ease mask mandate as infections sink
The Dutch government said on Thursday it aims to drop most coronavirus restrictions by the end of the month, but with COVID passes for access to many public places
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UK economy grew by 7.5% in 2021, the fastest rate since 2nd world war
As per ONS, the output fell by 0.2 per cent in December. Also, a record number of job vacancies decelerated the economy
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Premier League will remove many COVID-19 emergency measures
The League had adopted several emergency measures such as increased testing of players and club staff, which included both lateral flow and PCR testing
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India revises travel guidelines, cancels 7-day quarantine for foreign arrivals
The list of countries includes Australia, Canada, Cuba, Denmark, Hong Kong, Iran, Maldives, Israel, Mexico, Nepal, New Zealand, Oman, Qatar, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, United States of America,…
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New York, Illinois latest to announce an end to mask mandates. These US states are also ending mask mandates
As the country gears up for key midterm elections later this year that could shape Joe Biden's second half of presidency, masks remain a hot political issue in the United States
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UK PM Johnson announces end to all Covid restrictions this month
The current regulations, including the need to self-isolate after testing positive, were due to expire on March 24
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Democratic-led US states roll back mask mandates
Many Democratic governors enforced strict mandates, while Republican-led states such as Texas and Florida banned the enforcement of face coverings
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New York considers making outdoor dining a permanent fixture
The plan to give permanent status to thousands of "streateries" outside of restaurants and bars has the support of Mayor Eric Adams and the New York Hospitality Alliance, an industry association…
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As trucker protests intensify, Canada's provinces move to ease Covid rules
Briefing reporters Tuesday, Ottawa Deputy Police Chief Steve Bell said his agents had made 22 arrests to date
Read Article →The Great Reopening
After two years of lockdowns and economic devastation due to coronavirus pandemic, the world is gradually reopening.
Governments are easing restrictions on mask wearing and public gatherings. Borders are reopening. Several businesses are reporting profits after a lull. At least some countries have reported economic growth.
Travel and tourism are showing some initial signs of resumption. Entertainment venues are welcoming spectators.
Even as omicron varient is spreading, and fears of new COVID-19 varients continue, there's hope that the worst is behind us.
As the world grinds back to the new normal, this special section of WION will bring you the latest developments on the great unlocking.
We will cover stories from all walks of life linked to the great reopening: politics, business, economy, healthcare and medicine, travel, tourism, jobs, entertainment, sports and beyond.
We will bring you news, analyses, explainers, photo galleries and videos.
Welcome to The Great Reopening!
Belgium to reopen nightclubs, ease mask mandate as infections sink
The Dutch government said on Thursday it aims to drop most coronavirus restrictions by the end of the month, but with COVID passes for access to many public places
Read Article →
UK economy grew by 7.5% in 2021, the fastest rate since 2nd world war
As per ONS, the output fell by 0.2 per cent in December. Also, a record number of job vacancies decelerated the economy
Read Article →
India revises Covid-19 guidelines for international arrivals
Indian government here has revised guidelines for international arrivals. It has removed the category of at-risk countries which was introduced when…
Read Article →
Premier League will remove many COVID-19 emergency measures
The League had adopted several emergency measures such as increased testing of players and club staff, which included both lateral flow and PCR testing
Read Article →
India revises travel guidelines, cancels 7-day quarantine for foreign arrivals
The list of countries includes Australia, Canada, Cuba, Denmark, Hong Kong, Iran, Maldives, Israel, Mexico, Nepal, New Zealand, Oman, Qatar, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, United States of America,…
Read Article →
New York, Illinois latest to announce an end to mask mandates. These US states are also ending mask mandates
As the country gears up for key midterm elections later this year that could shape Joe Biden's second half of presidency, masks remain a hot political issue in the United States
Read Article →
UK PM Johnson announces end to all Covid restrictions this month
The current regulations, including the need to self-isolate after testing positive, were due to expire on March 24
Read Article →
Democratic-led US states roll back mask mandates
Many Democratic governors enforced strict mandates, while Republican-led states such as Texas and Florida banned the enforcement of face coverings
Read Article →
New York considers making outdoor dining a permanent fixture
The plan to give permanent status to thousands of "streateries" outside of restaurants and bars has the support of Mayor Eric Adams and the New York Hospitality Alliance, an industry association…
Read Article →
As trucker protests intensify, Canada's provinces move to ease Covid rules
Briefing reporters Tuesday, Ottawa Deputy Police Chief Steve Bell said his agents had made 22 arrests to date
Read Article →
Vaccine maker Pfizer faces accusations of 'pandemic profiteering' as profits double
Pharmaceutical companies have, however, been accused of not sharing their vaccine recipes, which would allow drugmakers in poorer countries to produce cheaper versions of their products
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Covid-19: Malaysia mulls full border reopening in March
The recommendation from Malaysia's Coronavirus recovery council comes as neighbours waive quarantine requirements to attract vaccinated tourists, including Thailand, the Philippines and Singapore…
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COVID-19: Australia to open borders to vaccinated tourists on February 21
The laws have shattered families, harmed Australia's burgeoning tourism economy, and sparked heated discussions about the country's reputation as a modern, open, and outward-looking society.
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Biological E's Corbevax gets emergency approval for 12-18 age group
Biological E's coronavirus vaccine Corbevax has received an emergency use approval in India for use in children aged 12 to 18 years.
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After months of COVID-19 closure, Australia fully reopens borders to international visitors
It has been understood that Australia's outbreak of the Omicron coronavirus variant has passed its peak
Read Article →
Britain plans to remove self-isolation mandate for Covid patients
If such relaxation comes into force, it will make Britain will become first major European country to allow people who know they are infected with COVID-19 to freely use shops, public transport…
Read Article →
Chinese New Year parade returns to San Francisco after COVID-19 hiatus
The holiday also brought hope for some in the Asian and Asian-American communities, which have suffered from rising rates of hate crimes during the past two years
Read Article →
Covid fails to deter luxury sector
UBS analysts estimate that top brands such as Louis Vuitton, which is owned by industry leader LVMH, have raised their prices two-and-a-half times higher than the inflation rate over the past 20…
Read Article →
Hermit kingdom no longer: Western Australia to open borders after two years
Widely labelled the hermit kingdom, Western Australia has stood out for its "hard border", while other Australian states have adjusted their border policies depending on the severity of the…
Read Article →
Delhi University colleges reopen, students back on campus after two years
Earlier this month, several student bodies had held protests demanding the reopening of the campus. The authorities decided to resume the classes after a decline in number of COVID-19 cases in the…
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WHO shortens quarantine time for Covid-exposed after negative test
In cases where testing to shorten quarantine is not possible, it may be ended after day 10 without testing. This will only be done if the contact presents no symptoms
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COVID-19: Japan eases virus border rules for workers and students but tourists will still be barred
Last November, the government slightly loosened the rules to allow some students and businesspeople to enter, but then quickly reversed the plan weeks later as the Omicron strain emerged
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Germany to begin rolling back coronavirus curbs, says Chancellor Scholz
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that falling infection rate indicated that Omicron wave was past its peak
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Travel is my antidote for fear. As Covid eases, I’m heading out again
With a willingness to be flexible, the rewards of the road still await
Scotland to offer COVID vaccines to all 5-11 year olds
The British government, which sets health policy for England, is yet to announce the vaccination of 5-11 year olds, even though its vaccine rollout policy is usually co-ordinated with other UK…
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Canada's Ontario to lift Covid vaccine passport requirement
He further explained that the majority of people have been vaccinated and the peak of cases, which was triggered by the Omicron variant, had passed
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Germany plans comprehensive easing of Covid curbs
Germany is the biggest economy in Europe. Signals of Covid curb easing in Germany may send a big message
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France: Covid restrictions eased for vaccinated British travellers
There were hints of relaxation in travel rules earlier this week. France's Europe minister, Clement Beaune had suggested that requirement of Covid test for fully vaccinated British travellers…
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Vietnam to scrap all Covid curbs on international flights from Feb 15
The Southeast Asian country imposed tight border controls at the start of the pandemic to keep out COVID-19, with some initial success, but that dealt a blow to its burgeoning tourism sector which…
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Norway scraps all social distancing measures amid a surge in Omicron cases
He, however, stressed that "the pandemic is not over", and advised unvaccinated people to continue practising social distancing and wear masks at places where social distancing is not possible
Read Article →
Belgium to reopen nightclubs, ease mask mandate as infections sink
The Dutch government said on Thursday it aims to drop most coronavirus restrictions by the end of the month, but with COVID passes for access to many public places
Read Article →
UK economy grew by 7.5% in 2021, the fastest rate since 2nd world war
As per ONS, the output fell by 0.2 per cent in December. Also, a record number of job vacancies decelerated the economy
Read Article →
Premier League will remove many COVID-19 emergency measures
The League had adopted several emergency measures such as increased testing of players and club staff, which included both lateral flow and PCR testing
Read Article →
Visitors trickle back, but climbing mecca Nepal seeks more - see pics
Nepal is putting a 21st-century spin on a tourism sector dominated by activities unchanged for generations as it looks to boost a vital part of an economy decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic and soa
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With support for Ukraine, Crufts dog show returns after a two-year absence
Thousands of dogs and their owners gathered at the world's biggest dog show, as Crufts made a comeback after a two-year absence. See pictures
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In Pics | Nice Carnival makes a comeback after two years of pandemic
Coronavirus restrictions are gradually being lifted around the world and there are initial signs indicating normalisation.
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