COVID-19 Pandemic

Marathon COVID-19 Lockdown Ends in Melbourne, Australia

Epidemiologists warn of dangers as longtime restrictions end in Australia’s second-biggest city

US Regulators OK Mixing COVID Vaccines

The US Food and Drug Administration also backs boosters for those Americans who got the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson shots

Disputes Over Vaccination Mandates Multiplying in US

Millions may risk being fired from their jobs if they refuse inoculations 

COVID Restrictions Deny Southern Belarus Children Rare Escape From Chernobyl Radiation

In Belarus, just across the border from Ukraine, children have been unable to escape contamination for yet another summer due to COVID-19 pandemic border restrictions. For VOA, Ricardo Marquina has more from the Gomel region of southern Belarus in this report narrated by Miguel Amaya.

White House Announces Plan to Vaccinate Children Age 5-11

FDA/CDC plan emergency approval hearings in coming weeks to consider vaccinating US children ages 5-11

Putin Imposes Week-Long Workplace Shutdown to Combat COVID-19

Record high daily coronavirus deaths are reported in Russia

New York City Mandating COVID-19 Vaccines for City Workers

Those who do not show proof of vaccine by October 29 face unpaid leave

Brazilian Senate Panel Recommends Criminal Charges Against Bolsonaro Over COVID Response

Report calls for the Brazilian leader to be charged with crimes against humanity, inciting crime, and charlatanism

Australian Study Screens Airline Wastewater for COVID-19

Northeast Syria Hit Hard by COVID Pandemic

Vaccines in the isolated region are mostly not available and hospitals are short of oxygen

Somalia COVID Deaths Vastly Undercounted, Study Finds

Somalia's deaths from COVID were 32 times higher than the official toll in the early months of pandemic, according to analysis