20 million extra vaccine doses for the EU against Omicron

Dec 20 2021

Up to 20 million doses of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine will be sent to EU members in the first three months of 2022.

The massive haul is purposed to curb the rapid spread of the Omicron COVID variant, the European Commission revealed. As Europe braces for a new wave of infections, this also comes as many countries reintroduce travel bans and restrictions.

Member states will get an additional five million doses of the Pfizer vaccine in January, followed by five million in February and a whopping 10 million in March.

‘These doses come on top of the already scheduled 195 million doses from Pfizer BioNTech, bringing the total number of delivers in the first quarter to 215 million.’

This means the EU is due to receive 650 million doses of Pfizer jabs in total in 2022.

Most health authorities are emphasising Omicron becoming the dominant strain by mid January in the EU. 67% of the EU population is fully vaccinated.

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Photo Source: Financial Times

7 recommendations for the Xmas season | by Ed’s Common Sense

Dec 19 2021

With all of the joy that the holiday season brings with it, it is important to understand that not everyone is as festive as they hoped to be. The holidays may also bring with them multiple difficulties, mental and otherwise, which is why it is important to head into the Xmas season with these 7 recommendations from clinical psychologist and psychotherapist Dr. Edward Curmi.

Dr. Edward Curmi is also the author of 2 self-help books titled Ed’s Common Sense.

1. Believe me, it’s the thought that counts… not the price tag.

2. Around Xmas time not everyone has the capacity to be mentally happy.

3. This is the right time to let go of any negative vibes so that you don’t carry any of them into 2022.

4. Enjoy your intake of food and drink but try keep the word ‘moderation’ in the equation.

5. Be nice to others after all you have no idea what they might be going through.

6. Stop comparing yourself in real life and social media with what others are doing around Xmas time.

7. Check in on your friends and offer to help those who might find themselves on their own.

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Here’s why North Koreans are banned from laughing until December 28

Dec 19 2021

For whatever reason it may be, North Korean citizens will have to contain their laughter until December 28 because anything from a smirk to a full on LOL moment may come with severe consequences.

This is due to the 10-year-anniversary since the death of Kim Jong Il, the father of Kim Jong-Un. On the anniversary of his father’s death, the current Supreme Leader of North Korea announced that members of the public are banned from laughing, participating in leisurely activities or drinking alcohol for 11 straight days. A citizen reported that even grocery shopping being prohibited.

Such a rule is being put into place to enact a period of mourning and is 11 days long rather than 10 due to it being Kim Jong Il’s 10-year anniversary since his death.

What do you make of this?

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Parents will not be fined if children miss childcare due to quarantine

Parents will not be fined if children miss nursery due to quarantine

Dec 19 2021

Parents whose children are forced to miss nursery or childcare sessions due to quarantine who not have to pay fines if they miss over a quarter of their booked sessions. The penalisation system was planned for January and concerned multiple parents who make use of the government scheme aimed to help parents who work or study.

Children were initially allowed to miss a quarter of their booked hours, with parents having to pay the difference to the childcare centres if children miss more than that for whatever reason including medical.

Times of Malta have reported that children must quarantine will have their hours waived from their entitled time upon presentation of an official quarantine letter. Authorities have urged parents not to overbook hours because overbooked will be removed from the absence entitlement.

#MaltaDaily