Actress Betty White, massive American star, dead at 99

One of America's most beloved stars, the actress Betty White has died at the age of 99.

She was a pioneer in the early days of television and went on to find fame in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show", and then in the role of Rose on the sitcom "The Golden Girls".

She remained active in show business throughout her life…indeed The Guinness Book of Records says she worked longer in the television industry than anyone else ever.

She won 8 Emmy Awards and only this week features on the cover of America's "People" Magazine, previewing her hundredth birthday in 2022.

Our US Correspondent Simon Marks says she held an unparalleled place in American cultural history.

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Labor market in focus when U.S. trading begins in the New Year

Investors in the U.S. will kick off the New Year focusing on the
health of the country's labor market.

Traders are bracing to see how the spread of the Covid-19 Omicron
variant impacted December hiring.

William Denselow reports from New York.

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Giuffre lawyers seek proof from Prince Andrew that he can’t sweat

Lawyers representing Virginia Giuffre have asked for proof that Prince
Andrew has an inability to sweat.

The Royal is accused of sexually abusing Giuffre as a teenager. An
allegation he vehemently denies.

William Denselow reports from New York.

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Omicron infections could peak in the U.S. by mid-January

Infectious disease experts in the United States say the current surge in Omicron infections is worse than ever, but may also be over far quicker than other variants of the coronavirus.

Despite challenges in mapping the COVID-19 pandemic, there is precedent with Omicron in South Africa.

FSN's Caroline Malone reports.

IN: On Thursday, the CDC

OUT: Caroline Malone, Washington.

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Thousands evacuate Colorado wildfires

Thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes as wildfires
spread through a suburban part of Colorado.

The fires in the U.S. state are being fueled by winds exceeding 100
miles per hour.

U.S. correspondent William Denselow reports.

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Regional law bodies call for fresh review of East African Community treaty

Regional law bodies based in Tanzania's northern city of Arusha have reiterated their call for the amendment of the East African Community (EAC) Treaty.

The Pan African Lawyers' Union (Palu) and the East African Law Society (EALS) say this will create room for expansion of the bloc and ensure a new entrant meets all the required benchmarks.

Isaac Lukando reports.

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GOVERNMENT CLAIMS BOOSTER TARGET SUCCESS

The UK government says it has met its target of offering all eligible adults in England a coronavirus booster jab by the end of 2021. Prime Minister Boris Johnson had set that goal as the Omicron variant of Covid19 started to sweep the nation. Laura Makin-Isherwood reports.

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Uganda COVID Infections Out of Control

Intro;

 

Uganda's Ministry of Health has reported a Covid-19 positivity rate of 22 percent, the highest ever recorded rate since the outbreak of the pandemic in March last year.

 

Previously, the country had registered 21.5 percent as its uppermost positivity rate at the peak of the second wave in June.

 

Health experts attribute the current spike in cases on the highly transmissible Omicron variant

 

Michael Baleke reports from Kampala;

 

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GERMANY LIFTS TRAVEL BANS ON UK AND SOUTH AFRICA

The German Government has announced it will lift its Omicron travel bans on several countries. 

The move follows similar steps taken by American and British health authorities in recent days. 

Trent Murray reports from Berlin

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JOHNSON URGES CAUTION AHEAD OF NY CELEBRATIONS

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's urging people celebrating New Year
to take a Covid test first.

Crowds are expected to escape strict coronavirus restictions in Wales
and Scotland by crossing into England for nights out.

Nightclubs in England remain open, but are closed in the other UK
nations because of the spread of the Omicron variant.

Boris Johnson's used his New Year message to urge people to take up
the offer of a booster vaccine if they haven't done so yet.

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Experts warn of spike in COVID-19 infections in India as tourist destinations gear up for festivities

Intro:

India's COVID-19 cases have surged again by 25% as Omicron infects many in large cities.

Researchers say this is the beginning of a massive third wave that can overwhelm hospitals within a few weeks.

Still, year-end celebrations with thousands in attendance are about to kick-off, as Ishan Garg reports from New Delhi.

IN: COVID-19 is now spreading

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President Biden urges Russian counterpart to de-escalate

The Presidents of the U.S. and Russia have held a phone call to
discuss the rising tension over Ukraine.

The White House says President Biden made clear that there would be
consequences if Russia invades further.

U.S. correspondent William Denselow reports.

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U.S. stocks snap winning streak

A hot streak on Wall Street came to an end Thursday with the travel
sector firmly in focus.

But there was some better-than-expected economic data to boost
sentiment heading into the new year.

William Denselow reports from New York.

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CDC advises people against cruise ships regardless of vaccination status

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has changed its travel guidance for cruise ships from a level 3 to its highest level 4 – advising people not to go on cruises regardless of their vaccination status.

It's a new blow for the cruise ship industry, devastated by the first wave of the pandemic.

U.S. Correspondent Caroline Malone reports.

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Surging Covid cases sparks major disruptions in NYC

A surge in Covid-19 has caused major disruptions to essential services
in New York City.

In some neighborhoods the positivity rate is hovering around 30
percent but officials say lockdowns aren't currently on the table.

William Denselow reports from New York.

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Maxwell lawyers plan an appeal following guilty verdict

Lawyers representing Ghislaine Maxwell maintain her innocence and plan
to appeal the guilty verdict.

The British socialite was found guilty of recruiting and sexually
abusing young girls and faces a lengthy jail term.

William Denselow reports from New York.

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Kremlin hoping for compromise in Putin-Biden call

A Kremlin spokesman says Russia is hoping for compromise when Presidents Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden speak on the phone on Thursday. The call comes after Russia outlined a list of demands over European security. Julia Chapman has more.

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Belgian gvt u-turn over culture sector closures

Theatres, cinemas and concert halls in Belgium can reopen from today (Thursday), just a week after the government ordered them to close in order to contain the surging Omicron Covid-19 variant. 

Following an appeal by a theatre technician to the Council of State, the country's supreme administrative court called the closure of the cultural sector "disproportionate" and concluded that it "lacked justification."

 

From Brussels, Benji Hyer reports.

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SURGE HUBS BUILT AS COVID 'INSURANCE POLICY'

Extra hospital beds are being made available across England as daily coronavirus cases continue to rise. Latest figures show more than 183,000 Covid19 infections reported in 24 hours. While hospitalisations remain relatively low, the National Health Service has announced it will build eight 'surge hubs' incase of an influx of admissions. Laura Makin-Isherwood reports.

IN: The decision to…

OUT: Laura Makin-Isherwood, London

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GERMANY'S COVID CASES "2 TO 3 TIMES HIGHER" THAN OFFICIAL DATA: HEALTH MINISTER

Germany's Health Minister has warned the country's coronavirus incidence rate is likely much higher than government data suggests. 

His warning comes as several countries across Europe post record-breaking case numbers, fuelled largely by the more infectious omicron variant. 

For more, Trent Murray reports from Berlin. 

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NIGHTINGALE 'SURGE HUBS' SET UP IN ENGLAND

'Surge hubs' for covid-19 patients are being set up in eight locations
in England in case there's a major surge in hospitalisations.

The so-called 'Nightingale' units are being built to house around 100
patients each.

The National Health Service says it's on a 'war footing'.

Layla McCay is director of policy at the NHS Confederation.

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India's daily COVID-19 tally nearly doubles in three days

Intro:

India's daily COVID-19 tally has jumped once again by nearly 43%.

The country reported more than 13,000 fresh infections on Thursday – nearly double the number reported three days ago.

Authorities are urging people to stay indoors but say it's too early to impose harsh restrictions.

Ishan Garg has more from New Delhi.

 

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Maxwell convicted of underagegrooming girls for Epstein

British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell has been found guilty of sexual
abuse charges.

Maxwell has been convicted of working with Jeffrey Epstein to recruit,
groom and sexually abuse young girls.

William Denselow reports from outside the federal courthouse in lower Manhattan.

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Socialite Ghislaine Maxwell found guilty of sex trafficking for Epstein

British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell has been found guilty of grooming
and sex trafficking underaged girls for disgraced financier Jeffrey
Epstein.

She was found guilty of five of the six charges.

Nick Harper reports.

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Dow Jones hot streak continues for sixth day

The Dow Jones has notched its sixth straight day of gains as the
so-called Santa rally continues on Wall Street.

But it was a tough day for the U.S. airline sector as travel
disruptions continue.

William Denselow reports from New York.

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Leaders of U.S. and Russia due to speak on Thursday amid troop build up

U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin are due to hold a phone call this week, as fears grow of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier this month, Biden warned Putin of 'severe consequences' if that happened.

FSN's Caroline Malone reports from Washington DC.

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US defends no testing to end Covid-19 isolation

US health officials have defended new guidelines that do not require
Covid-19 positive patients to test after ending isolation.

It comes a day after the US reported it's highest ever total for new
daily infections.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

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[ALT] CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said they're not advising
mandatory testing as false positive results are likely.

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Addressing reporters, Chief Medical Advisor to the President, Dr.
Anthony Fauci spoke about the latest data on Omicron's
transmissibility.

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CDC Director hopes to have answer on Covid booster shots for kids soon

The Director for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
says approval for children aged 12-15 to get a Covid-19 vaccine
booster shot could be days or weeks away.

This comes as pediatric hospitalizations and infection levels are
surging across the U.S.

William Denselow reports from New York.

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Thousands of Indian doctors protest in the capital to accelerate the admission of medical students

Doctors and medical associations in India say they will stop providing medical services from Wednesday, after hundreds of protesting doctors were detained by police forces in Delhi.

 Amid a shortage of hospital staff, demonstrators have been calling on the government to accelerate the admission of medical students, a process which has stalled.

Sreoshi Mukherjee reports from New Delhi.

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UK PM URGES BOOSTER HOLD-OUTS TO GET JABBED

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's urging 2.4 million eligible people
to come forward for their covid-19 booster vaccine.

He says the nearly 33 million booster jabs already administered have
contributed to England not bringing in tougher restrictions over the
Christmas and New Year periods.

Some pharmacists are warning of problems with supplies of rapid covid
tests after isolation was shortened to a week for people who test
positive for covid-19, but are testing negative on days 6 and 7.

The Prime Minister says the Omicron wave is being mitigated by the
vaccination programme.

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ALT:

The Prime Minister says vaccines are allowing New Year festivities to
go ahead in England.

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U.S. reports new daily Covid-19 record

The United States has reported it's highest ever daily figure for new
Covid-19 infections, with cases topping 440,000.

It comes as health officials are facing criticism for reducing
isolation periods for positive patients.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

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UAE Bans Flights From Uganda Over Omicron

Intro;

 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have added Uganda to their travel red list… by suspending all passenger flights from the country.

 

The decision was made over concerns related to the spread of the omicron COVID-19 variant.

 

Uganda has registered a spike in COVID-19 infections in recent weeks, and health authorities attribute the cases to the Omicron variant.

 

Michael Baleke reports from Kampala;

 

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WARNINGS OVER COST-OF-LIVING 'CATASTROPHE'

It's being warned millions of families in the UK will see a
significant hit to their incomes in 2022.

The Resolution Foundation says higher energy bills will be accompanied
by stagnant wages and tax rises.

It calls it a 'cost of living catastrophe'.

Torsten Bell from the Resolution Foundation says it'll be a difficult
year for living standards.

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India's daily COVID-19 tally rises by 44% as Omicron spreads

Intro:

India's daily COVID-19 numbers have jumped by 44% as Omicron spreads across the country.

The country registered nearly 10,000 new infections on Wednesday.

While the tally may be far less than the ones being reported by nations such as the UK and the US, some experts are seeing this as the beginning of a third wave.

Ishan Garg reports.

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HK Police Raid Pro-Democracy Stand News Outlet, Arrest Six

In Hong Kong, hundreds of national security police have raided the office of a popular opposition news outlet.

Six people including senior staff were arrested for conspiracy to publish seditious publications.

Patrick Fok reports.

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Mixed close on Wall Street with Omicron in focus

It was a mixed close for the U.S. markets Tuesday as investors weigh
the impact of the Covid-19 Omicron variant.

The S&P 500 fell from a record high but the winning streak for the Dow
Jones continues.

William Denselow reports from New York.

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New York to expand testing to keep kids in school

Children will return to New York City classrooms in the New Year
despite a surge in Covid-19 cases.

Officials say vaccinations and increased testing will help keep the
country's largest public school system safe.

William Denselow reports from New York.

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Save the Children blame Myanmar military for deaths of two staff members

The charity Save the Children has blamed Myanmar's military for the
deaths of two of its staff members.

The organization has called on the United Nations Security Council to
take action.

William Denselow reports from UN headquarters in New York.

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SpaceX criticized for Chinese space station near misses

China has reported Elon Musk's SpaceX company to the United Nations
after accusations his satellites narrowly missed the Chinese space
station.

The American has faced a backlash on Chinese social media as a result
of the alleged incidents.

US correspondent Nick Harper reports.

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U.S. halves Covid isolation period to keep businesses running

The US has halved the self-isolation time for those testing positive
for Covid-19 in an attempt to get people back to work quicker.

As the Omicron variant spreads across the country, staff shortages
have caused disruption in particular for airlines.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

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Delhi records highest number of COVID cases in 6 months, yellow alert issued

India's capital has issued a yellow alert and increased restrictions across the city after Delhi recorded over 300 coronavirus infections in the past day. 

This is the highest rise in COVID cases in the capital city since June 9th. 

Sreoshi Mukherjee has more from New Delhi.. 

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Russia and U.S. to hold security talks in January

Russia and the U.S. will hold security talks on January 10th. Confirmation comes amid tensions with Ukraine and demands from Russia over NATO expansion. Julia Chapman has more.

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India opens vaccination for 15-18 year olds; allows boosters for the most vulnerable

Intro:

India has changed its vaccination policy to allow people between the age of 15 and 18 to be vaccinated.

The nation has also allowed booster shots for frontline workers and those above the age of 60 with co-morbidities.

Local authorities are being urged to impose restrictions amid rising Omicron cases, as Ishan Garg reports from New Delhi.

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S&P hits new record high after Christmas holiday

U.S. stocks rebounded strongly after the Christmas holiday as
investors shrugged off concerns over the Covid-19 omicron variant.

Some strong spending figures over the holiday shopping period also
gave traders reason to be merry.

William Denselow reports from New York.

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Trump praised for promoting Covid-19 booster

America's top medical adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci [FOW-chee] has
commended former President Donald Trump for telling supporters he'd
got a Covid-19 vaccine booster.

Some of Trump's supporters loudly booed the announcement during an
event in Dallas.

During his presidency Trump repeatedly downplayed the severity of the virus.

Fauci told ABC he was "stunned" people have reacted badly to the
President's admission…. but praised the former president for his
honesty.

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Baylor University infectious disease expert Dr. Peter Hotez has
similarly supported Trump's decision to promote the booster.

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President Biden meets with governors to address Omicron surge [CLIPS]

U.S. President Joe Biden has told the nation's governors that the
White House has their backs amid a surge in Covid-19 cases.

The Biden administration has pledged to make 500 million free at-home
Covid-19 tests available for the public but the move has come too late
to avoid huge disruptions over the holiday period.

Thousands of flights have been canceled and long lines have been
reported at testing sites across the country.

Addressing the country's governors on a remote-video call, the
president said his administration is taking steps to improve testing
capacity.

IN: "I know the…
OUT: … are more coming"
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President Biden has acknowledged that the response to rising Covid-19
cases has been insufficient.

IN: "We went from…
OUT: … we could have"
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Faced with rising Covid-19 cases fueled by the Omicron variant,
President Biden has urged unvaccinated Americans to get a shot.

IN: "America has made…
OUT: … seeing hospitalizations rise"
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President Biden warns that surging Covid-19 cases means that some
hospitals will get overrun. But he has told governors that steps are
being taken to support the healthcare system.

IN: "We have stockpiled…
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New Covid-19 vaccine mandates take effect in NYC

Stricter Covid-19 vaccination requirements have come into effect in
New York City.

Starting today private sector workers will need to have had at least
one jab and New Yorkers aged 12 and up have to be fully vaccinated to
participate in indoor activities.

William Denselow reports from New York.

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U.S. retail sales hit 17-year high despite Omicron concerns

Retail sales in the US hit a 17-year surge helped by Christmas and
holiday buying.

The latest data comes despite an increase in Omicron cases and supply
chain issues.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

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U.S. Omicron cases spike as travel disruption continues

Cases of the Omicron variant are spiking in the US with some states
already seeing higher caseloads than last year's winter peak.

It comes as testing centers struggle to keep up, with the government
promising to increase at-home tests next month.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

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Desmond Tutu, anti-apartheid hero, dead at 90

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, one of the giants of South Africa's anti-apartheid movement, has died at the age of 90.

He was diagnosed with prostate cancer over a decade ago, but continued to remain active politically until the end of his life.

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his courage confronting the apartheid system and urging US President Ronald Reagan and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to abandon their tolerance of the country's white-minority government.

In a 2007 interview with the Nobel Institute, he said he saw the need to speak out in order to fill a void.

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(ALT)

In a 2007 interview with the Nobel Institute, he was asked if he'd always been a rabble rouser.

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(MORE)

Our US Correspondent Simon Marks interviewed Desmond Tutu on numerous occasions and says the Archbishop's spirit was simply unquenchable.

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(ALT)

In November 1984, Archbishop Tutu addressed the United Nations and a new constitution that had been unveiled in South Africa, formalizing the exclusion of black people from the political process.

IN:  "The tragedy…."

OUT:  "….unchristian system"

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(ALT)

In October 1985, on a visit to London, the Archbishop publicly chided then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, accusing her siding with the apartheid government.

He called on her to change course and said Britain should stop backing repression.

IN:  "We need…."

OUT:  "….do the reminding"

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1.7 million people across the UK had Covid-19 last week according to new figures

1.7 million people across the UK had Covid last week according to the latest figures from the Office For National Statistics.

That's the most in a week since these kinds of figures were first recorded in Autumn 2020.

Chris Jones has more in London

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Satellite images show Russian military buildup continuing on Ukraine border

The latest satellite imagery shows the number of Russian forces positioned on the country's border with Ukraine are continuing to grow.

President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that he wants an immediate response from the West to his demands including guarantees that Ukraine will never be offered NATO membership.

The Biden administration says talks are possible, but only if America's European allies are included.

Anthony Glees is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Buckingham.

IN:  "I think…"

OUT:  "…extremely serious"

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Travel chaos as Omicron causes holiday staffing shortages

The global aviation industry is struggling to keep flights running on schedule as a growing number of pilots and other staff test positive for Covid-19.

Millions of travelers are facing disruption around the world today.

In the US, Delta and United Airlines cancelled scores of flights…there were cancellations in Australia as well.

 

In Europe, the Channel Tunnel's Eurostar service was cancelling trains but that was due to lack of demand.

Travelers at John F Kennedy Airport in New York were trying to remain stoic.

IN: "Trying to get…."

OUT:  "…closing again"

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The White House meanwhile has announced it is lifting its travel ban on several southern African countries on New Year's Eve.

Our Washington Correspondent Simon Marks says many observers believe that move is long overdue.

IN: 'Well the Biden…."

OUT:  "…in the mouth"

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UK Health Security Agency says omicron research offers 'glimmer of hope' but people should still be cautios

The UK's Health Security Agency says official findings of the Omicron Covid-19 variant offer a 'glimmer of hope' this Christmas.

Research has found that the strain is up to 70% less likely to cause hospitalisation, helped by the majority of the UK being fully vaccinated.

However, it still poses a high risk to public health as Chris Jones reports.

IN: "The results…"

OUT: SOC

DUR" 41 secs

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Belgian Covid cases drop, even as Omicron continues to spread

The number of new Covid-19 cases in Belgium continues to decline, with fewer than 700 coronavirus patients in intensive care for the first time since November. 

There are now a little more than 2,000 Covid patients in Belgian hospitals, which is a 26% drop compared to a week earlier.

From Brussels, Benji Hyer reports.

IN: These latest figures

OUT: SOC

DUR: 49 secs

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UK BOOSTER JABS TO CONTINUE THROUGH CHRISTMAS

Vaccination clinics across England will stay open throughout the
festive period, including on Christmas Day.

The booster jab push comes as new studies suggest the Omicron variant
is less likely to put people in hospital compared to other strains of
covid-19.

Immunologist Professor Danny Altmann says that doesn't mean Omicron
isn't dangerous for the National Health Service.

IN: 'Even if...
OUT: ...hospitals.'
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Australia – Health Minister backflips on booster shots

The wait time for Australians between the second and third shots of covid vaccine will be shortened from five months to four, on the 4th of January.

The window will be further reduced to three months on the 31st of January...making an additional four million people eligible for their booster.

Shaun Bindley reports.

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OUT: Soc

DUR: 33 secs

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COURTESY AIR NEWS MEDIA - AUSTRALIA

Calls grow to delay regional elections and cancel political rallies amid Omicron scare in India

Intro:

Calls are growing in India to postpone regional elections and cancel political rallies amid fears of an Omicron-driven third wave.

The most populated state in the country is set for elections next year.

And concerns are that large gatherings during political rallies and again at the voting booths could lead to a surge in infections.

Ishan Garg reports.

IN: The High Court of the state 

OUT: SOC

Duration: 45 seconds

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