Tuesday, December 7, 2021

France tightens Covid-19 restrictions to fight Omicron wave

France is closing its nightclubs for the next month and urging the public to work from home for two to three days a week in a bid to control the spread of infections linked to the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

From FSN's bureau in Paris, here's Ross Cullen

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US & RUSSIA PRESIDENTS TO MEET WHILE MILITARY BUILD-UP ON UKRAINE BORDER

US President Joe Biden will meet with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for a virtual summit later.

The two leaders will discuss the military build-up of Russian troops near Ukraine's border, and concerns Russia is preparing an invasion force.

Stuart Smith reports from Moscow.

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WHISTLEBLOWER CLAIMS OF 'CHAOTIC' UK AFGHANISTAN EVACUATION

A whistleblower's made claims of a 'chaotic' and 'dysfunctional' UK operation to evacuate people from Afghanistan as Kabul fell to the Taliban.

Raphael Marshall claims thousands of emails went unread, IT systems were incompatible, and senior officials working from home slowed the process down.

The UK government says Marshall was a junior staff member whose allegations paint an inaccurate picture of the evacuation programme in August.

Then Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says thousands of people were helped.

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NEW GOVERNMENT FOR GERMANY WITH FINAL AGREEMENT SIGNED

Angela Merkel is enjoying her final full day in office as German Chancellor. 

Following national elections in September, long-running coalition negotiations concluded Tuesday, with a group of new parties officially agreeing to form government, and inaugurate a new Chancellor. 

From Berlin, Trent Murray reports. 

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Modelers warn of an Omicron fueled third wave hitting India by February

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Statistical experts from one of India's top universities have warned that Omicron could fuel a third wave of COVID-19 infections.

A mathematical model predicts that the country could see close to 150,000 new infections a day by February.

Authorities are now stepping up testing and tracking as Ishan Garg reports from New Delhi.

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100 travellers untraceable as Mumbai tries to control Omicron spread

INTRO:

Local authorities in the Mumbai metropolitan region say that more than 100 people returning from overseas are untraceable as they try to enforce stricter Covid-19 measures to control the possible spread of the Omicron variant.

India has reported more than 20 cases of the variant so far.

Rebecca Bundhun reports from Mumbai.

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Justice Department sues Texas over redistricting map

The US Justice department has sued the state of Texas, saying its new voting map discriminates against minority voters.

It's the second federal lawsuit this year challenging the state's voting laws.

US Correspondent Ira Spitzer reports


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Monday, December 6, 2021

Dow jumps 650 points after encouraging Omicron data

The Dow gained more than 650 points on Monday after the White House's
top health adviser gave a reassuring update on the new Omicron variant
of Covid-19.

There was also reaction to a new vaccine mandate for private companies
in New York.

Sarah Walton reports

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US announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics

The US has announced a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.


The Biden administration says that no government officials will attend because of human rights abuses in china.


Kate Fisher reports from Washington


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New US Covid-19 travel rules start for all travellers

New US Covid-19 travel restrictions have started, meaning all
travelers, even if fully vaccinated, need to test a day before
entering America.

Masks must also be worn on all planes, trains and buses.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

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New York City to introduce vaccine mandate for private companies

New York has become the first city in the United States to announce a
Covid-19 vaccine mandate for private companies.

Rules requiring proof of vaccination for indoor dining and
entertainment are also being expanded.

Sarah Walton reports.

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UK GROWTH FORECAST DOWNGRADED

The Confederation of British Industry has downgraded the UK's growth forecasts for this year. Global supply chain problems are believed to be partly to blame - and the CBI has also warned the emergence of the Omicron variant of Covid 19 could lead to economic growth being dragged back further again. Laura Makin-Isherwood has more.


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Russia confirms first cases of Omicron variant of COVID-19

Russia has announced its first cases of the Omicron variant of
COVID-19. The strain was identified in two Russian passengers
returning from South Africa. Julia Chapman has more from Moscow.

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Omicron could become dominant coronavirus variant in UK within weeks


The Omicron variant of the coronavirus could be dominant in the UK in a matter of weeks, according to a leading scientist.

So far, almost 250 [UPDATE IF NEEDED] cases of the new variant have been identified in the UK.

Giles Gibson reports from London.

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UK DRUGS CRACKDOWN LAUNCHED

Drug users could have their passports and driving licences taken away in the UK, as part of a new 10-year plan to tackle illegal substances.

The government strategy will also focus on breaking up gangs which move drugs across the country.

Seized drug dealers' phones will also be used to send messages to their clients to discourage drug use.

Policing minister Kit Malthouse says it's about prevention as well as treating those affected.

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AUSTRIAN GOVT DRAFTING MANDATORY VACCINE LAW: REPORTS

Thousands of protestors have taken to the streets in Austria over the weekend, rallying against mandatory Covid-19 vaccines. 

But new reports suggest the government is still moving ahead with plans to make vaccines mandatory, with local media reporting an official announcement is expected in coming days. 

From Berlin, Trent Murray reports

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Violence breaks out in northeast India after civilians mistakenly killed by troops

INTRO:

Violence has broken out in northeast India after at least 13 civilians were killed near the Myanmar border in a botched ambush.

Protesters threw stones and set fire to areas around an Indian forces camp.

Rebecca Bundhun reports from Mumbai.

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India's Omicron tally continues to rise as experts warn of a third wave

Intro:

As India's tally of Omicron cases rises to more than twenty, experts are warning of a third wave.

At least thirteen districts are already witnessing an unusual spike in COVID-19 infections, although officials say it's too early to attribute the new cases to Omicron.

Ishan Garg has more from New Delhi.

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Japan to pay more to host US military

Japan has agreed to pay more to the United States for hosting its military forces, starting from fiscal 2022. The decision comes as both sides look to increase cooperation in a bid to curtail the rise of China in the region.


Phoebe Amoroso reports from Tokyo.


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US plans more alliances in Asia to counter China

The US says it'll expand its alliances in Asia to counter what it calls China's "increasingly assertive and autocratic" behaviour in the region. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says China's actions are "disturbing", and it's time for the US to stand firm. 

Richard Kimber reports.


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