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World News

Indian variant fears raise questions over easing of restrictions

The number of confirmed cases of the Indian strain hit more than 3,400 on Thursday, a rise of 2,000 in just a week.

France

France opens COVID-19 vaccination to all adults from May 31

All adults in France will be able to get their COVID-19 jabs from May 31, Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Thursday.

France

French people defy rain to enjoy reopening of café and bistro terrace

For the first time in almost 7 months, the French are allowed to sip coffee and wine with friends outdoors.

World News

EU states agree to allow entry to bloc for vaccinated travellers

An EU spokesman said ambassadors of EU member states agreed to measures that will allow vaccinated travellers from third countries into the bloc.

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United Kingdom

Lockdown lifts in UK amid worries over Indian variant

On Monday, people in England will be able to eat a restaurant meal indoors, drink inside a pub, go to a museum, hug friends and visit one another’s homes for the first time in months.

Brazil

Brazil's fight against Covid-19 hampered by flooding and favela growth

In its struggle with the pandemic Brazil is battling on several fronts as flooding hampers vaccination efforts in remote areas and poverty deepens in cities.

India

Hundreds of bodies found buried along Indian riverbanks

The cost of cremation has tripled in India in recent weeks due to a shortage of wood, according to a philanthropic organisation.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia delays national elections again amid deadly tensions

Some opposition parties have said they will not take part in a national election which has already been delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

United Kingdom

UK to ease COVID rules but warns Indian variant could disrupt progress

The British prime minister said the variant, which has killed at least four people in the UK, could pose "a serious disruption" to removing restrictions in June.

USA

'Great day for America' as fully vaccinated allowed to shed masks

Fully vaccinated people in the US can stop wearing masks, authorities announced on Thursday. The guidance still calls for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters.

My Europe Series

Greece is preparing for a tourist influx - but is it ready?

Greek politicians have been asked whether they are opening too early. They argue that 2020 is not 2021.

Albania

Albanian man tries to set himself on fire at Eid prayers in Tirana

The holy day marking the end of Ramadan began in muted fashion on Thursday against the backdrop of COVID-19 and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

World News

COVID-19 was 'preventable disaster', independent panel finds

Most countries were "too slow" in their response to COVID-19, an independent panel commissioned reviewing the handling of the pandemic has found.

Spain

Spain to allow some fans into football games for season finale

Spain will allow spectators back to matches from next weekend under strict conditions.

India

India's COVID-19 death toll passes 250,000 after new daily record

India confirmed 4,205 more coronavirus deaths on Wednesday, a daily record for the country.

Austria

Austrian man guilty of deliberately infecting ex-wife with COVID-19

The man had tried to infect his former partner while they shared a home as their divorce proceedings were being completed.

Spain

Spain warns that lockdown leaving parties lead to more than a hangover

Scenes of revelers partying in mass over the past weekend, in many cases without social distancing or masks, have infuriated many, including health workers, and created a new political quarrel.

Greece

Greece lockdown measures lift allowing schools and courts to reopen

Primary and junior high schools in Greece have been able to reopen for in-person schooling for the first time in months.

United Kingdom

UK PM Johnson announces easing of COVID restrictions

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined details of the move to step three of the lockdown roadmap.

World News

European Union opts not to renew AstraZeneca vaccines contract

Commissioner Thierry Breton says a post-June order has not been made as French President Emmanuel Macron says the bloc will focus on different vaccines