Updated

Botswana says some diplomats found to have Omicron variant came from Europe

3 Dec 2021

(Refiles headline to fix variant spelling) GABORONE (Reuters) -Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi said some of the four diplomats who first tested positive for the Omicron coronavirus variant in the country had come from Europe, calling for a reversal of widespread travel bans imposed against southern African countries. Omicron, dubbed a variant of concern by the …

Botswana says some diplomats found to have Omicron variant came from Europe Read More »

Omicron COVID-19 variant found in five U.S. states

3 Dec 2021

By Kanishka Singh and Susan Heavey (Reuters) – New York has confirmed five cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant, its governor said on Thursday, bringing to five the number of U.S. states having detected the variant, with 10 reported infections nationwide. California, Colorado and Minnesota have found cases of the coronavirus variant among patients who …

Omicron COVID-19 variant found in five U.S. states Read More »

Google delays mandatory return to office beyond Jan. 10

3 Dec 2021

By Paresh Dave (Reuters) – Alphabet Inc’s Google said on Thursday it is indefinitely pushing back its January return-to-office plan globally amid growing concerns over the Omicron variant of the coronavirus and some resistance to company-mandated vaccinations. Google in August had said it would expect workers to come in about three days a week from …

Google delays mandatory return to office beyond Jan. 10 Read More »

Two soldiers killed in Islamist militant attack in northern Benin, army says

2 Dec 2021

COTONOU (Reuters) -Two soldiers were killed and several more wounded when Islamist militants attacked a border security post in northern Benin on Wednesday night, the army said. The raid in Porga region was the second in Benin this week. Islamist militants attacked an army patrol in the department of Alibori on Tuesday morning, army chief …

Two soldiers killed in Islamist militant attack in northern Benin, army says Read More »

South Africa’s rand recovers from Omicron-driven fall

2 Dec 2021

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -South Africa’s rand bounced back on Thursday against a weaker dollar after again breaching the 16.00 mark in the previous session as the Omicron coronavirus variant established itself as the dominant strain in South Africa. At 1534 GMT, the rand traded at 15.8000 against the dollar, 1.56% firmer than its previous close of …

South Africa’s rand recovers from Omicron-driven fall Read More »

Dutch COVID-19 quarantine ends for most S.Africa passengers -authorities

2 Dec 2021

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -Dutch health authorities said that more than 20 passengers who have been in quarantine since testing positive for COVID-19 after flying from South Africa on Nov. 26 will be allowed to leave on Thursday. A spokesman for the health authority for Kennemerland, in which Schiphol airport is situated, said authorities will not disclose …

Dutch COVID-19 quarantine ends for most S.Africa passengers -authorities Read More »

Ethiopian government says it has recaptured Lalibela, U.N. World Heritage site

1 Dec 2021

ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) -Ethiopian government forces and their regional allies have recaptured the town of Lalibela, a United Nations World Heritage Site, from Tigrayan forces, the prime minister’s office said on Wednesday, the latest in a string of towns the military says it has retaken. Also on Wednesday, China’s foreign minister Wang Yi arrived in …

Ethiopian government says it has recaptured Lalibela, U.N. World Heritage site Read More »

S.African data suggests Omicron gets around some, not all immunity

1 Dec 2021

By Promit Mukherjee and Estelle Shirbon JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -The Omicron variant appears able to get around some immunity but vaccines should still offer protection against severe disease, according to the latest data from South Africa where it is fast overtaking Delta to become the dominant variant. Omicron, which has raised global fears of a surge …

S.African data suggests Omicron gets around some, not all immunity Read More »

South Africa’s rand, stocks recover on improved risk-taking

1 Dec 2021

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -The South African rand and stocks continued their recovery on Wednesday from last week’s plunge, as risk appetite returned somewhat to markets, with investors betting that the Omicron COVID-19 variant would not derail the economic recovery. At 1511 GMT, the rand traded at 15.7950 against the dollar, 0.61% firmer than its previous close. …

South Africa’s rand, stocks recover on improved risk-taking Read More »

Close Bitnami banner
Bitnami