Britain races to vaccine target as Germany warns hardest days ahead

Britain on Sunday raced against the clock to vaccinate as many people as possible while Germany warned of the "hardest" days yet to come with Europe battling to contain soaring coronavirus infections.

UK ramps up vaccine rollout, targets every adult by autumn

Britain's health secretary said Sunday that every adult in the country will be offered a COVID-19 vaccine by the autumn as the U.K. ramps up its mass vaccination program amid a huge surge of infections and hospital admissions.

Omanis revive memory of village swallowed by desert

Encroaching sands have left little evidence that the Omani village of Wadi al-Murr ever existed, but former inhabitants and curious visitors are coming to rediscover the hamlet engulfed by the desert.

A year after first death in China, coronavirus source still a puzzle

It is the world's most pressing scientific puzzle, but experts warn there may never be conclusive answers over the source of the coronavirus, after an investigative effort marked from the start by disarray, Chinese secrecy and international rancour.

Swiss school closures cut Covid spread: study

Switzerland's decision in the spring to shutter schools was one of the most effective measures in reducing mobility and thus also transmission of COVID-19, a study showed Sunday.

Russia confirms first case of new UK virus strain

Moscow on Sunday confirmed its first case of the new UK coronavirus strain, despite an earlier decision by officials to suspend flights from Britain to stop the mutation reaching Russia.

Philippines secures 30 million Novavax vaccine doses

The Philippines has secured 30 million doses of a Covid-19 vaccine developed by US drug maker Novavax, officials said Sunday, as the country braces for a surge in infections after a huge religious event.

Africa exceeds 3 million COVID-19 cases, 30% in South Africa

Africa passed the milestone of 3 million confirmed cases COVID-19 on Sunday, including more than 72,000 deaths, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

France says first Moderna vaccine doses to arrive Monday

France's health minister said Sunday that more than 50,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine from US-based Moderna, newly authorised in Europe, would be ready for use this week in hard-hit regions.

Unusual snow kills 4, brings much of Spain to a standstill

A persistent blizzard blanketed large parts of Spain with an unusual amount of snow on Saturday, killing at least four people and leaving thousands trapped in cars or at train stations and airports that suspended all services.

California reports record 695 virus deaths in a day

California health authorities reported Saturday a record one-day total of 695 coronavirus deaths as many hospitals strain under unprecedented caseloads.

Nightly curfew for pandemic takes effect across Quebec

A curfew meant to curb a surge in coronavirus infections took effect across Quebec on Saturday evening.