Category: COVID-19 restrictions

New Zealand Gives up ‘Zero COVID’ Approach

After implementing one of the most strict COVID-19 policies for over one and a half years, New Zealand decided to give up its “zero COVID-19” strategy and try to live with the CCP virus, also known as the novel coronavirus. On Monday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced a plan to ease lockdown restrictions in Auckland,…


Japan to Lift State of Emergency in All Regions at End of Month: NHK

TOKYO—Japan plans to lift its COVID-19 state of emergency, which covers 19 prefectures, in all of the regions at the end of September, broadcaster NHK reported on Monday. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said he discussed easing measures with relevant ministers on Monday, and would seek the views of a government panel of advisers on Tuesday….


Germans Shocked by Killing of Cashier After COVID Mask Row

BERLIN—German politicians expressed shock on Tuesday over the killing of a 20-year old petrol station worker after an argument about a face mask and said that coronavirus deniers who are willing to use violence will not be tolerated. The killing on Saturday evening in the western town of Idar-Oberstein has hit the national headlines as…


Tokyo Marathon Postponed, 2022 Edition Cancelled Due to COVID-19

The Tokyo Marathon has been postponed until March and the 2022 edition cancelled due to the COVID-19 state of emergency in the capital, event organisers said. The race was to have been held on Oct. 17 but has now been moved to March 6, the Tokyo Marathon Foundation said on its website on Friday. “I…


Ireland’s Catholic Church, Government Clash Over COVID-19 Restrictions

DUBLIN—Five Roman Catholic bishops from Ireland’s 22 dioceses are set to defy COVID-19 restrictions after instructing local parishes to hold communion and confirmation services this month, drawing a sharp rebuke from the government, which have pleaded with them to wait until they consider further easing curbs later this month. Ireland has been gradually unwinding its…


Alberta’s Daring Departure From the COVID Restrictions Approach

Commentary When I heard that Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer Deena Hinshaw was doing her first press conference in nearly a month, I assumed that she was going to be announcing some tightening of COVID-19 restrictions in light of rising case counts. My jaw dropped when Dr. Hinshaw essentially declared the pandemic emergency as being over…


We Should All Be Cheering for Alberta’s Departure from COVID Restrictions to Succeed

Commentary When I heard that Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer Deena Hinshaw was doing her first press conference in nearly a month, I assumed that she was going to be announcing some tightening of COVID-19 restrictions in light of rising case counts. My jaw dropped when Dr. Hinshaw essentially declared the pandemic emergency as being over…


Appeals Court Lifts CDC COVID Restrictions for Florida-Based Cruise Ships

A federal appeals court decided late Friday to lift the COVID-19 related restrictions imposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on cruise ships in Florida. Florida had initially won in blocking the CDC’s cruise ship order in a district court in June, until the three-judge panel on 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals…


Police Warn Travellers of Thousand Dollar Fines at Victorian-NSW Border

Victorian Police patrolling the border with New South Wales are telling travellers that the initial warning period is now over for those trying to sneak over the border. Since Saturday, around 260 officers have been placed along the border equipped with automatic number plate recognition technology to check vehicles. Since the start of border restrictions,…


Australian Police Warn Travellers of Thousand Dollar Fines at Victorian-NSW Border

Victorian Police patrolling the border with New South Wales are telling travellers that the initial warning period is now over for those trying to sneak over the border. Since Saturday, around 260 officers have been placed along the border equipped with automatic number plate recognition technology to check vehicles. Since the start of border restrictions,…