Covid-19: UK detects South African variant in people with no travel links

Cases with no links to travel to Africa could indicate the new variant may be more widespread than previously thought LONDON, Feb 2 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Eleven people in different regions of England have tested positive for the South African coronavirus variant without having any links to people who have travelled,…

US: Huge snowstorm hits east coast disrupting virus vaccinations; 3 dead in argument about moving snow

A person walks across the Brooklyn Bridge during a snowstorm, in New York City, on Feb 1 NEW YORK, Feb 2 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A huge snowstorm brought chaos to the United States’ east coast Monday, cancelling thousands of flights, closing schools and forcing the postponement of coronavirus vaccinations as New…

Over 200,000 displaced by conflict in Central African Republic – UNHCR

CAR security forces have been battling rebels seeking to overturn a Dec 27 presidential vote BANGUI, Feb 2 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR) has displaced more than 200,000 people since violence erupted over a December election result, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said.Nearly half of those…

US racism: Police pepper-spray 9-year-old Black girl, sparking outrage

The police department in Rochester, N.Y., released body-camera footage that showed a 9-year-old girl being handcuffed and pepper-sprayed by officers who responded to a family disturbance ROCHESTER (NEW YORK, US), Feb 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A 9-year-old Black girl was handcuffed and pepper-sprayed by police in the US city of Rochester,…

Venezuelans hit the streets, demand Cape Verde release Alex Saab, the country special envoy

CARACAS, Feb 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — About 200,000 protestors stormed the streets in Venezuela, to demand the release of Alex Saab, a special envoy for the South American country, who is under house arrest in Cape Verde, Africa on charges of money laundering.The protests held across numerous cities of the Bolivarian…

Twelve dead in Colombia after boats sink

BOGOTA, Feb 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — At least 12 people have died, including seven children, after two vessels sank close to a port on Colombia’s Pacific coast. Naval authorities say the causes of the incident are still being investigated. The vessels sank on Saturday close to Tumaco, Colombia’s second most-important Pacific…

Update: Nine dead in Sunday hotel attack in Somali capital – police

Paramedics at the Madina hospital push a gurney with a civilian injured in a car bomb explosion in Mogadishu MOGADISHU, Feb 1 NNN-AGENCIES) — Nine people died in a weekend attack at a hotel in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, and security forces ended the assault by al Qaeda-linked al…

Major storm to hit eastern US after dumping snow on capital

WASHINGTON, Feb 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A powerful winter storm is expected to dump deep snow on parts of the northeastern United States that are home to major cities like New York, after blanketing the nation’s capital on Sunday. The National Weather Service issued storm warnings from Virginia to Maine —…

Brazil: New protests seek Pres Bolsonaro’s removal over COVID-19 response

Demonstrators stand next to police officers during a protest against President Jair Bolsonaro BRASILIA, Feb 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Hundreds of people took part in fresh protests across Brazil against President Jair Bolsonaro’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, with many demanding his resignation or impeachment. COVID-19 has claimed more than 223,000…

Covid-19: Canada bans flights to Caribbean and Mexico

OTTAWA, Feb 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) —Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a new agreement with airlines to suspend travel to the Caribbean and Mexico due to Covid-19. The country’s main airlines, including Air Canada and WestJet, will end service immediately and organise return travel for those currently abroad. The government will also…