Top US official: "Most people are going to get Covid" due to Omicron surge

The World Health Organization is predicting that 50% of people in Europe will get Covid-19 within the next two months.

That warning came on the same day that a top US official predicted that most Americans will get Covid as a result of the Omicron strain of the virus.

Dr. Janet Woodcock, the Acting Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration was speaking hours after the US recorded a single-day record of 136,000 people hospitalized with the virus.

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Nearly 25 per cent of American hospitals say they are suffering chronic staff shortages due to the wintertime spread of the virus in the United States.

On Air Force One today, Press Secretary Jen Psaki repeated the White House contention that the US has the tools necessary to fight the Omicron threat.

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3rd Chinese city locked down after reporting 2 Covid cases

A third Chinese city has gone into full lockdown….impacting more than 5 million people.

The city of Anyang reported just two cases of Covid-19, but the authorities ordered all of its residents confined to their homes.

Our Beijing Correspondent Patrick Fok reports.

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BORIS JOHNSON UNDER PRESSURE OVER 'GARDEN PARTY'

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's under growing pressure over claims he attended a lockdown-breaking party in Downing Street in May 2020.

A leaked email shows staff being asked to a gathering in the garden of the Prime Minister's workplace and residence - apparently breaking the government's own covid-19 rules.

UK correspondent Olly Barratt says Boris Johnson's own MPs are questioning his leadership.

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UK correspondent Olly Barratt says some opposition MPs are calling for him to resign.

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David Sassoli, who was the president of the European Parliament, has died at the age of 65.

David Sassoli, who was the president of the European Parliament, has died at the age of 65.



The Italian politician, who had been suffering from pneumonia and serious complications relating to his immune system, was being treated in his home country.


From FSN's bureau in Brussels, here's Ross Cullen.

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UN launches $5bn aid appeal for Afghanistan

The United Nations has launched its largest ever aid appeal for a
single country.

It's seeking more than $5 billion to help people in Afghanistan.

Sarah Walton reports

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Mali protests ECOWAS sanctions, closes borders

Mali has announced it is recalling all of its ambassadors in West Africa - in response to severe sanctions that have been imposed on the country by the Economic Community of West African States. The 15 member states in the group announced they were closing all borders with Mali - after the nation's ruling military junta announced it was delaying plans to return the country to a civilian government.

Nabil Ahmed Rufai reports.

 

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LABOUR: 'QUESTIONS' FOR PM OVER DOWNING ST PARTY

It's emerged that around 100 staff were invited to a social event in the Downing Street garden during the UK's first lockdown.

A leaked email shows people being encouraged to "bring their own booze" to "make the most of the lovely weather" in May 2020.

Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie are reported to have been among around 40 who attended the event.

The opposition Labour Party says the prime minister has "serious questions" to answer.

Rivka Gottlieb from the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group says the affair is "soul destroying".

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India revises COVID-19 testing rules amid rising infections

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India has revised its COVID-19 testing guidelines - effectively discouraging asymptomatic patients from getting tested.

Experts say this will hide the true impact of the pandemic in the country.

But officials believe it will reduce the burden on medical facilities, as Ishan Garg reports from New Delhi.

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North Korea fires second suspected missile within one week

North Korea has fired what could be a ballistic missile in the second suspected missile launch in less than a week. The latest test comes a day after the United Nations ended discussions on how to respond to last week's launch of what North Korea claimed was a "hypersonic missile."

Phoebe Amoroso reports from Tokyo.

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Wall St continues 2022 decline

Wall Street saw another day of losses, as fears grow over inflation
and interest rate rises.

US markets have struggled to gain ground in 2022.

As US correspondent Nick Harper reports.

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Pfizer Vaccine to Target Omicron

The CEO of pharmaceutical company Pfizer says his company is working on a vaccine to target the omicron variant of COVID. He says Pfizer has already begun manufacturing it. 

US Correspondent Rachel Silverman has details. 

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US-Russian talks end with no breakthrough over Ukraine

The US says talks with Russia over Ukraine have led to a "better
understanding" of each country's priorities, but not resulted in a
breakthrough.

Officials from Washington reiterated they would not grant Russia's
request for a guarantee that Ukraine be prevented from joining the
NATO military alliance.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

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NY officials investigate deadly Bronx fire, 17 dead

Officials in New York say 17 people are believed to have died in
Sunday's apartment fire in the Bronx. That's less than previously
reported.

An investigation is ongoing as to why smoke spread so quickly through
the Bronx apartment building.

William Denselow is on location in the Bronx with more.

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Russia says it does not have any ‘plans or intentions to attack Ukraine'

Russia says it does not have any 'plans or intentions to attack Ukraine.'

That's according to the Russian deputy foreign minister who spoke to reporters and said "There is no reason to fear some kind of escalatory scenario."

He was speaking after a day of crunch talks with the United States over European security and Ukraine's sovereignty.

From FSN's bureau in Brussels, here's Ross Cullen.

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“Power of the Dog”, “West Side Story” win big in untelevised Golden Globes ceremony

Netflix's "The Power of the Dog" and Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" took home multiple Golden Globe Awards in an untelevised ceremony that follows a difficult year for the awards show.

The Golden Globes organizers have faced allegations of corruption and criticism for a lack of diversity.

Ira Spitzer has more from California.

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First session of US / Russia talks end in Geneva

Talks between the US and Russia over Ukraine have ended in Geneva with the two sides agreeing to continue negotiations, and Russia committing to participation in multilateral dialogue that will include NATO member states later this week.

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the Kremlin has no plans to invade Ukraine, although he strenuously defended the right of Russian forces to mass along the border.

He also said Moscow is insistent upon securing a legally binding agreement that will permanently bar Ukraine, Georgia and other former Soviet states from ever joining the NATO alliance.

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Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, leading the American delegation in Geneva, said the discussions there today were “frank and forthright”….but called Russia’s proposal over NATO membership a “non-starter”.

She also insisted the US will not allow Russia to drive a wedge between Washington and its allies and partners in the region.

At the White House, spokesman Jen Psaki said President Biden had been briefed on the outcome of the discussions.

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US sees 6% increase in greenhouse gas emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions in the United States surged in 2021.

It's raised questions as to whether the country will meet ambitious
climate change targets.

Sarah Walton reports

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Pfizer goes big on mRNA

Pfizer is betting big on messenger RNA technology following its successful use in the company's COVID-19 vaccine.

The American pharmaceutical giant on Monday announced a number of new deals which could capitalize and expand on mRNA's use.

Toni Waterman has more from Austin, Texas.

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Djokovic thanks supporters after court allows him to enter Australia

Novak Djokovic is thanking people who have supported his efforts to secure admission to Australia, despite being unvaccinated against Covid-19.

A judge overturned a decision by Australia's border force to cancel the player's visa…he is currently on track to participate in the Australian Open, although the country's government could still make a further effort to deport him.

Speaking in Belgrade, Djovkovic's brother George.

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Ikea slashes sick pay for unvaccinated employees in self-isolation

Retail giant, Ikea, has cut sick pay for its unvaccinated staff who are in self-isolation.

The company responsible for employing around 10k people across the UK says it's a necessary measure because of the number of staff absent due to covid-19.

It does say, though, that it will consider all circumstances on a case to case basis.

Chris Jones has more

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