News Round-Up
19 May 2024
by Will Jones
BBC Comes to Terms With Collapsing EV Market
17 May 2024
by Sallust
The Government of South Africa has announced the end of all Covid restrictions in what it describes as a "very historic day" and a "turning point since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the world and in the country".
A French region bans gatherings "due to the heatwave"; Germany mulls an annual winter mask mandate; and China uses its Covid app to target protestors. Some of the worst fears of sceptics are coming true.
The U.S. Government will today announce the end from Sunday of the requirement for people entering the country to test negative for COVID-19. No word, however, on ending the ban on the unvaccinated.
Police in Spain have uncovered at least 2,200 famous people, including the President of PharmaMar, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Spain, holding false COVID-19 vaccine certificates bought from a nurse.
Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates voiced opposition to vaccine mandates and passports during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting at Davos earlier this month.
South Africa has ramped up its restrictions again in response to the recent reported rise in infections associated with new subvariants Omicron BA.4 and BA.5. But is the 'wave' already running out of steam?
Novak Djokovic will be free to defend his Wimbledon title after the All England Club confirmed Covid vaccinations will not be needed to compete in this year's Championships. He will also be allowed to play in Paris.
Vaccine passports have slotted in neatly to the existing digital identity and currency revolution being driven by various governments and global actors. But the threats to privacy and personal freedom are very real.
Vaccine passports for domestic purposes are being axed in New Zealand, with mandates being removed in almost all industries, but not health and social care. Baby steps from the Toothy Tyrant.
As the UK ends its remaining Covid travel rules and restrictions, here are other countries that got there first and to where UK citizens can now travel in the normal pre-pandemic way.
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