Stories for December 2021

Tuesday, December 21st 2021 - 09:06 UTC
Novavax added to COVID-19 immunizers approved for European use

The US-developed NOVAVAX vaccine against COVID-19 has been approved Monday by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), thus becoming the fifth drug of its kind to become available at a continental level.
Tuesday, December 21st 2021 - 08:22 UTC
HRH Duchess of Cornwall, Patron of the British Forces Broadcasting Service

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Rosemary Shand, has become the Patron of the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS), the parent charity of Forces News. In a recorded video message, the Duchess said she is “very proud” to be Patron, praising BFBS's “incredible work” and how the organization “raises morale, forges a sense of community and lessens the distance from loved ones”.
Tuesday, December 21st 2021 - 07:53 UTC
Record Omicron infections in Britain; restrictions planned for Dec. 28

As Britain recorded more than half a million new infections driven by the Covid-19 now dominant Omicron variant in the past seven days, and UK neighbors imposed stricter measures including full lockdowns, Prime Minister Boris Johnson following a Monday cabinet meeting said no rules would change for now, despite the steep rise in cases “hour by hour”.
Tuesday, December 21st 2021 - 00:51 UTC
Colombia's Ombudsman calls for protection of sexually diverse individuals

The Office of Colombia's Ombudsman Monday launched an appeal for the authorities to look after the integrity of LGBTQ people after 35 transgender women have been murdered this year nationwide.
Monday, December 20th 2021 - 23:59 UTC
“Malvinas Argentinas,” Chile's President-elect once told UK Ambassador

Argentina's ruling Frente de Todos (FdT) was quick to celebrate Gabriel Boric's win in Sunday's presidential runoff in Chile.
Monday, December 20th 2021 - 23:50 UTC
Chilean presidency Sunday runoff manages a record turnout of voters, 56,6%

The Chilean presidency runoff this Sunday attracted more voters than the first round, November 21, when only 47,34% of the registered electorate turned out. In effect with 99% of votes counted, 56,59% of Chileans went to the polls, a total of 8,252.420 which compares with the 7.115.790 of November.
Monday, December 20th 2021 - 23:45 UTC
Fake health passes spread fast across France

French authorities are investigating the alleged existence of over 110,000 fake certificates of vaccination against COVID-19, which are required to enter restaurants, cultural venues or ride long-distance public transport.
Monday, December 20th 2021 - 23:30 UTC
23 South African teenagers killed in initiation rite this year

A traditional rite practiced in South Africa has left 23 male teenagers dead following the Xhosa Ulwaluko ceremony, which consists of circumcision plus an initiation into manhood.
Monday, December 20th 2021 - 22:20 UTC
UK Supreme Court rules Guaidó is Venezuela's president, but the case is not over

The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom Monday maintained opposition leader Juan Guaidó should be recognized as the truthful President of Venezuela, which would grant him access to his country's gold in custody at the Bank of England. But instead of making a decision on that issue, the case was sent back to a lower court for further judicial proceedings.
Monday, December 20th 2021 - 20:00 UTC
Scotland considering posthumous pardon for executed witches

The Scottish Government of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is considering the possibility of granting a posthumous pardon to some 300 people – mostly women – who were executed under the Witchcraft Act between 1563 and 1736.