Stories for December 2021

Monday, December 13th 2021 - 19:06 UTC
UK reports first Omicron death worlwide

At least one person has been reported to have died in the United Kingdom of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, which would be the first fatal case for the new, milder strain.
Monday, December 13th 2021 - 09:45 UTC
Health pass to be required in Argentina starting Jan. 1

The Government of Argentina has finally announced a health pass with being required for people aged 13 and over to attend or carry out “activities of high epidemiological and sanitary risk,” according to the administrative decision signed by President Alberto Fernández, Cabinet Chief Juan Manzur and Health Minister Carla Vizzotti.
Monday, December 13th 2021 - 09:40 UTC
Almirante Storni cargo ship moored at Gothenburg while still on fire

Sweden's port authority Sunday released a press statement reporting that the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Almirante Storni (named like current and former Argentine Navy units) had reached Gothenburg and cargo unloading was proceeding according to plan after the ship caught fire a week ago, thus prompting a rescue operation.
Monday, December 13th 2021 - 09:30 UTC
Major oil spill in Argentine Province of Rio Negro contained

Argentina's Federal Energy Secretary Darío Martínez has toured the area near the Río Negro town of Catriel where an oil spill caused environmental damage to assess the situation and order the measures to be taken.
Monday, December 13th 2021 - 09:24 UTC
South African President tests positive for COVID-19

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa Sunday tested positive for COVID-19, it was reported. He is isolated in Cape Town with mild symptoms. It is yet unknown which strain of the virus he has contracted.
Monday, December 13th 2021 - 09:00 UTC
String of tornadoes causes major federal disaster in the US

US President Joseph Biden has declared a “major” federal disaster in Kentucky after dozens are feared dead following devastating tornadoes. The head of state has thus provided for the highest type of aid possible in light of the severity of the event.
Monday, December 13th 2021 - 08:55 UTC
Two border crossings between Argentine and Paraguay to reopen Monday

Road links through the San Ignacio de Loyola bridge between Puerto Falcón (Paraguay) and Clorinda (Argentina) and river crossings between Alberdi and Puerto Formosa are to reopen after almost two years when only goods could go from one country to another but not people.
Monday, December 13th 2021 - 08:53 UTC
New charges pressed against Alberto Fujimori for atrocious crimes

Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori, who is already serving a prison sentence for crimes against humanity, has been indicted Saturday for yet another five killings plus the forcible sterilization of over 1,300 women under detention during his term in office (1990-2000).
Sunday, December 12th 2021 - 20:06 UTC
Assange's health compromised, wife says

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's wife Stella Moris confirmed her husband had suffered a mild brain stroke during a virtual court appearance on October 27 from London's Belmarsh maximum-security prison, the British outlet Daily Mail reported.
Sunday, December 12th 2021 - 19:47 UTC
Storms leave almost 3,700 homeless in Brazilian State of Bahia

Some 30 cities in the Brazilian state of Bahia are going through an emergency situation following a heavy storm that has affected around 70,000 people and left 3,700 homeless, according to rescue teams.