It may not feel it for a while yet, but these first vaccinations mark the turning point in the pandemic. Day by day, the number of protected people will climb, and COVID-19 will slowly - but surely - find it harder to spread. That light at the end of the tunnel will shine ever brighter; that prospect of a return to normal life will come ever closer. But we are in a dark place right now. Image: Four million doses will likely be given by the end of the year Image: Four million doses will likely be given by the end of the year Lockdown has only brought a temporary respite. Cases are still high and will surge further in January - the price for the more relaxed rules on … 阅读全文

Another 14,718 coronavirus cases and 189 related deaths have been recorded in the UK. The numbers show a slight fall from the figures released on Sunday, when 17,272 cases were reported along with 231 related deaths. It comes as the first coronavirus vaccines are set to be given to over-80s, healthcare workers and care home residents from tomorrow. Latest coronavirus news from the UK and around the world Compared to this time last week, the number of people diagnosed with the virus has risen from 12,330. But the number of deaths has fallen from 205 to 189. This bring the total number of cases in the UK to 1,737,960, and the number of people who died within 28 days of a positive test now sits at 61,434. More on Covid … 阅读全文

Snowfall and skiing are affecting how Europe is dealing with the coronavirus in the run up to Christmas. England has recently gone from a full national lockdown into a tiered system, while Wales has banned serving alcohol at hospitality venues, Scotland is also in a tiered system and Northern Ireland is looking to come out of a full lockdown. Below, Sky News rounds up all the major developments from the continent recently. Austria Testing has been suspended in parts of the Austrian Alps after massive amounts of snow fell in the region. Some areas saw as much as 70cm of snow on Friday night, with another metre or so expected to fall on Sunday, and avalanche warnings have been put in place. Voluntary mass testing started in Austria on Friday, … 阅读全文

Andrew Lloyd Webber has announced dates for the reopening of his major theatres. The composer said he was "hugely optimistic" about the return of audiences after the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, as he revealed most of his theatres would be open again by early next summer - more than a year since they were closed due to the pandemic. He said previews of the new musical Cinderella would begin on 30 April at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London's West End. Image: Composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber says he is 'optimistic' about the future of theatre Image: Composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber says he is 'optimistic' about the future of theatre Image: The Phantom Of The Opera will return to the West End in June 2021 Image: The Phantom Of The … 阅读全文

Police have taken no action against more than 1,400 foreign travellers who may have ignored COVID-19 quarantine rules - because they couldn't find them When officers called at their homes to check they were self-isolating they got no response, or there was no record of them at the address. Anyone returning to the UK from a trip to most countries - with a few exceptions - should quarantine for 14 days or risk a £1,000 fine. Image: Police in England and Wales have issued nearly 25,000 fines during the pandemic Image: Police in England and Wales have issued nearly 25,000 fines during the pandemic In 586 cases, officers called "only to find that nobody with the relevant name lived at that address so no further enforcement action could be taken". … 阅读全文

Pubs and restaurants across Wales will be banned from selling alcohol and be forced to close at 6pm every evening. The measure announced by first minister Mark Drakeford will come into force from 6pm this Friday. Cinemas, bowling alleys, bingo halls and other indoor entertainment venues must also shut from the same date. Mr Drakeford warned that without further measures, the number of people needing hospital treatment for COVID-19 in Wales could rise to 2,200 - and that there could be up to 1,700 avoidable deaths over winter "unless we act". Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 0:46 Minister ‘can’t rule out' third lockdown Indoor attractions such as museums and galleries will also have to close, although outdoor visitor attractions can remain open. The first … 阅读全文