Brief. Me Better Faster December 20, 2025 12:34 am
Coronavirus Cases: 138,044,199
Deaths: 2,972,576
Recovered: 111,072,764
Boris Johnson: easing lockdown will increase Covid infections
Easing lockdown will inevitably create a rise in coronavirus deaths, Boris Johnson has said, crediting the lockdown rather than vaccines for “the bulk of the work” in reducing recent infection rates.
While the prime minister’s comments were intended as a reminder to people to take care amid the latest loosening of rules in England, they are likely to annoy some Conservative backbenchers who are eager for reopening to happen more rapidly. – The Guardian
Brussels wants EU vaccine passports ready by the start of summer
Brussels wants vaccine passports to be operational across the EU by the end of June.
Pilot schemes will be launched at the beginning of that month, with the aim to have the whole system up and running by June 21, Didier Reynders, the European commissioner for justice, told MEPs on Tuesday.
The European Commission had wanted the so-called Digital Green Certificates to be fully operational by the end of May, with some member states more dependent on tourism, like Greece and Spain, pushing for an even earlier start. – Euronews
Defence begins for officer charged with murdering George Floyd
Lawyers for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin present witnesses who speak about George Floyd’s past drug abuse and justify Chauvin’s actions during Floyd’s deadly arrest.
Eric Nelson, Chauvin’s lawyer, has adopted what amounts to a three-pronged defence strategy during the opening weeks of the high-profile trial. – TRT World
Oman imposes Ramadan night-time ban on commercial activities, movement of people
Oman has imposed a night-time ban on all commercial activities and movement of people throughout the holy month of Ramadan.
All types of gatherings, including iftars in mosques, tents or public places typical during Ramadan are affected by the prohibition against mass assembly, which starts from 9 p.m. until 4 a.m. – Arab News
South Korea reports highest daily jump in daily COVID-19 cases in 3 months
South Korea has recorded its highest daily jump in new COVID-19 infections in about three months, as officials urge the public to maintain vigilance.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said on Wednesday (Apr 14) it’s confirmed 731 new cases over the past 24 hours. – CNA
Neighbours: Actress Sharon Johal also alleges racism on soap
A third Neighbours star, Sharon Johal, has spoken out about the racism she says she endured on the set of the popular Australian soap opera.
The Australian actress, who has Indian heritage, left the show in March after four years as character Dipi Rebecchi.
Johal said she had faced racist taunts from white castmates, and felt further targeted when she asked for help. – BBC World
The Queen carries out first duty since Prince Philip’s death
BBC News says the Queen has conducted her first in-person royal duty since her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, died on Friday.
The monarch hosted a ceremony in which the Earl Peel formerly stood down as Lord Chamberlain, whose office organised royal ceremonies.
During a private event held at Windsor Castle, the Queen accepted her former royal aide’s wand and office insignia.
Greensill: Top civil servant ‘joined firm before quitting’ as PM is warned Cameron inquiry lacks independence
The Independent says one of the country’s most senior civil servants was allowed by the Cabinet Office to work part-time as a director at Greensill Capital while still part of the civil service, it was revealed last night.
Bill Crothers began working for the firm in September 2015 in a board advisory role, but he did not leave his job as chief commercial officer until November that year.
France suspends all Brazil flights over Covid-19 variant fears
France24 says France is suspending all flights to and from Brazil to curb the spread of a new Covid-19 variant found in the South American country.
Experts say the Brazilian variant, is particularly virulent and partly to blame for a sharp increase in the country’s coronavirus death toll in March.
“We have observed that the situation is worsening and that is why we have decided to suspend all flights between Brazil and France until further notice,” Castex told parliament.
UAE administers 118,805 doses of COVID-19 vaccines overnight
Arab News says the UAE administered 1118,805 more doses of COVID-19 vaccines overnight, bringing total jabs given to residents and citizens to 9,156,728 or about 92.58 doses per 100 individuals.
The nationwide inoculation program aims to give the population immunity from coronavirus that will help curb its spread as well as bring down infection cases.
UAE health officials reported 2,022 new coronavirus cases overnight, bringing the country’s caseload to 487,697 since the pandemic began.
Bangladesh COVID shutdown triggers exodus from capital Dhaka
Aljazeera says tens of thousands of people have scrambled to get the last trains, buses and ferries out of Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, before a nationwide transport shutdown to halt the spread of coronavirus takes hold.
With new cases and deaths hitting record numbers, Bangladesh’s government has ordered all offices and shops to close for eight days from 6 am on Wednesday.
US plans to withdraw all troops from Afghanistan by September 11
TRT World says President Joe Biden will remove all US troops from Afghanistan before this year’s 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, ending America’s longest war around five months later than planned, a US official has said.
Biden has “reached the conclusion that the United States will complete its drawdown – will remove its forces from Afghanistan – before September 11,” the official told reporters on condition of anonymity.
Minnesota Police Officer Involved in Traffic Stop Shooting of Black Man Resigns
VOA says the Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, police officer involved in the shooting death of a 20-year-old African American man during a traffic stop Sunday has resigned, as has the police chief of the Minneapolis suburb.
A 26-year veteran of the city’s police department, Kim Potter resigned in a letter Tuesday, saying, “I have loved every minute of being a police officer and serving this community to the best of my ability, but I believe it is in the best interest of the community, the department, and my fellow officers if I resign immediately.” Her union announced her resignation.
Live Updates
- The Queen carries out first duty since Prince Philip’s death
- France suspends all Brazil flights over Covid-19 variant fears
- UAE administers 118,805 doses of COVID-19 vaccines overnight
- US plans to withdraw all troops from Afghanistan by September 11
Most of Wednesday’s front pages are dominated by the controversy over David Cameron’s lobbying on behalf of the finance firm Greensill Capital.
The Times, the Daily Mirror and the Daily Telegraph print the same photograph on their front pages – showing Mr Cameron and Lex Greensill sipping drinks together.
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‘Alarm’ at Number 10 – ‘Sleazy access’ in lobbying row
The Times says arrangements like this have been authorised by the Cabinet Office and the civil servant involved, Bill Crothers, said they were “not uncommon”. The paper says Mr Crothers was responsible for £40 billion of government spending in his three years as Whitehall’s chief commercial officer, before eventually becoming a director at Greensill with a £5 million stake in the company.
Read the full story on the Times
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The Guardian reports sources from Downing Street say they are “deeply concerned” that the dual role was given official approval. Mr Crothers’ claim that arrangements to work part-time in private companies are not uncommon has sparked “alarm” in Number 10, the paper says.
Read the full story on the Guardian
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The i newspaper says ‘vaccines for under-40s in six weeks’, the paper says people in their late 30s will be able to book the jab by the end of May. The paper adds there is “growing scientific support” for using different vaccines for first and second doses, quoting a scientist saying it may increase their effectiveness.
Read the full story on the i
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The Daily Express focuses on the Queen as she mourns Prince Philip, saying that she intends to spend more time at Windsor Castle and to treat Buckingham Palace more like an “office”. The paper says the Queen has said she is “most comfortable” in Windsor and suggests she wants to stay close to where Prince Philip will be buried.
Read the full story on the Daily Express
NZ to launch world-first climate change rules – BBC Business
Exports to EU partially rebound after January slump – as wider economy returns to growth – Sky Business
Ever Given ship faces seizure as Suez Canal operators demand compensation – CITYAM
Chelsea reach Champions League semi-finals despite second-leg loss to Porto – Read on
Northern Ireland make history by reaching Euro 2022 – Read on
PSG knock holders out on away goals – Read on
A spat over Covid vaccine doses has erupted between the European Union and the UK threatens to have far reaching implications over coronavirus jab disruption.
Brussels demanded access to AstraZeneca vaccines manufactured in UK plants to make up for a shortfall after the pharmaceutical giant said it would have to cut the amount of doses delivered to the bloc by the end of March.
What do we know about the dispute? And what potential implications could the rumbling dispute have on future Covid vaccine rollouts? – (ITV)
Recent and upcoming changes
Restrictions are easing across the UK.
In England
Step 1 of the roadmap out of lockdown has begun. Shielding ends on 31 March.
In Scotland
People will be asked to ‘Stay Local’ from 2 April. A timetable for further lockdown easing from 5 April is on GOV.SCOT.
In Wales
The stay at home restriction was lifted on 13 March. Read about the rules on GOV.WALES.
In Northern Ireland
The next review will happen on or before 15 April. You can read the guidance on current restrictions on nidirect.
latest Covid-19 news
For the latest Covid-19 news visit the UK governement website