Stories for December 18th 2020

Friday, December 18th 2020 - 09:17 UTC
EU inoculation with the BioNtech-Pfizer vaccine forecasted to begin 27 December

Beginning 27 December people across the European Union will be able to get vaccinated against COVID-19, European Commission President Ursula von der Leven announced on Thursday.
Friday, December 18th 2020 - 08:54 UTC
Unemployment in Argentina during the third quarter remains at two digits

The unemployment rate in Argentina fell in the third quarter from the previous three months as an economic activity seems to be tepidly recovering. The rate fell to 11,7% at the end of September compared to 13,1% in the second quarter, according to the country's stats office, Indec.
Friday, December 18th 2020 - 08:41 UTC
Putin's comments on the Sputnik V vaccine spoil Argentine government promises

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s comments on Thursday about waiting to take the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine due to his age, reverberated in Argentina where the government plans to use the shot to initially immunize priority groups including the elderly.
Friday, December 18th 2020 - 08:30 UTC
Macron tests positive for Covid-19; track-and-trace among EU leaders

President Emmanuel Macron tested positive for the coronavirus on Thursday, prompting a track-and-trace effort across Europe following numerous meetings between the French leader and EU heads of government in recent days. Macron, 42, was running France remotely after going into quarantine in the Elysee Palace, the presidency said.
Friday, December 18th 2020 - 08:25 UTC
US experts recommend emergency approval of Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine

US panel of experts on Thursday voted to recommend emergency approval of Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine, paving the way for six million doses to start shipping as soon as this weekend.
Friday, December 18th 2020 - 08:20 UTC
Amnesty International presents 250,000 signatures in support of legalizing abortion in Argentina

Amnesty International on Thursday presented 250,000 signatures it has collected from around the world in support of legalizing abortion in Argentina ahead of a crucial Senate vote. Argentina's lower house of Congress voted last week to legalize abortion, sparking jubilant scenes amongst activists.
Friday, December 18th 2020 - 08:20 UTC
Cemetery in Germany temporarily stores the bodies of Covid-19 victims in metal containers

A cemetery in the German city of Hanau has started to temporarily store the bodies of people who have died from COVID-19 in a metal shipping container because hospital mortuaries are already full.
Friday, December 18th 2020 - 08:14 UTC
CBI calls on the EU for a customs grace period after Brexit: UK firms “still on the dark”

Britain's biggest business lobby group called on the European Union to delay introducing new customs checks after Brexit because firms haven't had enough time to prepare amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Friday, December 18th 2020 - 08:05 UTC
Ireland expects a “serious increase” in Covid-19 cases following relaxation of restrictions

Ireland, which has the second-lowest COVID-19 infection rate in Western Europe, is set for a “serious increase” in cases following the relaxation of restrictions, its health minister said on Thursday, as officials called for new curbs.
Friday, December 18th 2020 - 06:33 UTC
UNICEF support to feed UK children, first time since end of WW2

UNICEF has launched a domestic emergency response in the UK for the first time in its more than 70-year history to help feed children amid the COVID-19 pandemic.