Coronavirus

Millions of children are facing a "catastrophic education emergency" as coronavirus lockdowns have closed schools worldwide , the UN's main organization for children said on Wednesday. UNICEF said schools for more than 168 million children in 14 countries had been completely shut for almost an entire year because of the pandemic. It warned that 214 million children globally — or 1 in 7 — had missed more than three-quarters of their in-person learning since March 2020. UNICEF chief Henrietta Fore said pupils were paying the heaviest price "As we approach the one-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are again reminded of the catastrophic education emergency worldwide lockdowns have created," UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said. "With every day that goes by, children unable to access in-person schooling fall further and further behind, with the most marginalized paying the heaviest price," she said. "No effort should be spared to keep schools open, or … [Read more...] about Coronavirus: UN warns of ‘catastrophic education emergency’

German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with the 16 state premiers on Wednesday to discuss the gradual easing of coronavirus curbs in the country. Though some measures could be lifted, most of the current restrictions are expected to be extended until March 28. With elections coming up in September, Merkel and the nation's leaders are under increasing pressure to offer plans to restore a sense of normalcy after four months of shutdowns . According to a draft proposal seen by the German news agency DPA, the next round of easing could be tied to a seven-day incidence rate of 100. The incidence rate is a metric that records the number of people infected per 100,000 people during a one-week period. If this level is reached, states could consider allowing retailers to reopen with "click and meet" times for shoppers. Museums and zoos could also welcome back visitors by appointment. What else are Germany's top lawmakers discussing? State leaders are discussing whether to make … [Read more...] about Germany: Merkel, state leaders mull coronavirus reopening plans

Police have arrested 84 suspects and seized thousands of fake COVID-19 vaccines in raids in China and South Africa. It comes weeks after the head of Interpol warned that criminal networks would try to cash in on the global vaccination rollout. South African police seized 400 ampoules, providing 2,400 doses, of a fake vaccine in Germiston, Gauteng, along with a big supply of fake 3M brand masks. They arrested a Zambian national and three Chinese suspects. Brigadier Vish Naidoo, of the South African Police, said: "Since COVID-19 reached the shores of South Africa, the government has adopted an integrated multi-disciplinary law enforcement approach. "This is proving to be very effective as we have seen in the arrests for foreign nationals attempting to peddle fake vaccines to unsuspecting people within South Africa." Advertisement That raid led to a second on a manufacturing premises in China, where police seized 3,000 fake vaccines and arrested 80 … [Read more...] about COVID-19: Police arrest 84 people as thousands of fake coronavirus vaccines seized in China and South Africa

Donald Trump Jr, the president's eldest child, has tested positive for coronavirus. A spokesman said: "He's been completely asymptomatic so far and is following all medically recommended COVID-19 guidelines." The 42-year-old is the latest member of the president's family to become infected with a virus that has killed more than 250,000 Americans and infected nearly 12 million others. President-elect Joe Biden made the president's response to the virus a top issue in the recently concluded race for the White House, though Mr Trump has yet to acknowledge the outcome. President Trump, first lady Melania Trump and their son Barron have all recovered from their coronavirus infections in October. Advertisement The president spent three days in a military hospital where he was treated with experimental drugs; the first lady weathered her illness at the White House. Donald Trump Jr's girlfriend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, tested positive for the coronavirus in … [Read more...] about COVID-19: Donald Trump Jr self-isolating after testing positive for coronavirus

German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced on Wednesday evening a plan to relax COVID-19 restrictions, including conditions to reopen businesses. Merkel made the announcement following a meeting with the 16 state premiers on Wednesday that lasted more than nine hours. What Merkel announced There is a five-step plan to relaxing restrictions Each step will be taken every 14 days if infection numbers are stable or reduced An emergency brake system will return Germany to current lockdown levels if there are three consecutive days with an incidence rate above 100 Free rapid testing will be available for all residents in Germany starting M arch 8 Some restrictions already lifted Most stores have been closed since December 16. Restaurants, bars, sports and leisure facilities have been closed since November 2. Germany moved ahead with the first reopening steps this week. On Monday, hairdressers opened after two-and-a-half months. The same day, … [Read more...] about Coronavirus: Germany extends lockdown with plan to relax restrictions