The Netherlands holds off on restrictions for the unvaccinated — for now – by Thibault Spirlet

The Dutch government on Monday decided not to move ahead with imposing restrictions on people who haven't been vaccinated against COVID-19 amid political opposition to the move and pressure on the country's health care system.

The cabinet was on December 14 due to discuss the measures, known as 2G, which would require people to show a certificate to prove they are vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 to access the hospitality industry and public events.

Critics of 2G say it is aimed at creating an incentive to get vaccinated but is not effective at limiting the spread of COVID-19, as even people who have been jabbed can suffer a breakthrough infection and infect others. Those who have previously been infected with COVID-19 also appear to be vulnerable to the new Omicron strain, designated a variant of concern by the World Health Organization.

Read more at: The Netherlands holds off on restrictions for the unvaccinated — for now – POLITICO

SPAIN; Covid-19 in Spain: Spain records highest weekly number of Covid deaths since first wave: 3,415 - by Emilio de Benito

The last seven days have been the worst in terms of coronavirus deaths since the first wave of the pandemic in Spain in the spring of 2020. According to the latest report from the Spanish Health Ministry, which was released on Thursday, a total of 3,415 people have died after a positive Covid-19 test over the last week. And this figure is on the rise, up 11.35% from a week before.

Read more at: Covid-19 in Spain: Spain records highest weekly number of Covid deaths since first wave: 3,415 | Society | EL PAÍS in English

USA - Poll: Only 28% Think U.S. Winning Against Coronavirus

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that only 28% of American Adults say America is winning the war against COVID-19. Fifty-three percent (53%) say the U.S. is not winning against the coronavirus and 19% are not sure.

Read more at: Only 28% Think U.S. Winning Against Coronavirus - Rasmussen Reports®

USA: Trump signs COVID-19 relief bill, averts U.S. government shutdown

U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday signed into law a $2.3 trillion US COVID-19 aid and government-funding bill, restoring unemployment benefits to millions and averting a partial federal government shutdown.

Read more at: Trump signs COVID-19 relief bill, averts U.S. government shutdown | CBC News

Canada-U.S. border to remain closed for another month as provinces slowly reopen

Canadian Provinces are cautiously beginning to allow businesses and services to reopen from their pandemic lockdowns, but the Canada-U.S. border will remain closed for at least another 30 days.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the agreement to extend the closure during his daily news conference today.

Both countries reached an agreement in March to temporarily close the border to non-essential travel — meaning no recreational visits — while keeping it open to commercial traffic and essential workers who cross for work.

Read more at:  Canada-U.S. border to remain closed for another month as provinces slowly reopen | CBC News

EU: Protesters rally against coronavirus measures across Europe

German police detained 200 people in Berlin as several parallel protests were held in the city on Saturday, with some of the protesters rallying against anti-infection measures and others decrying conspiracy theories.

Rival events were also held in Frankfurt, where about 1,500 people gathered to protest the government measures and about the same number of joining a counter-protest, police said.

Read more at:
Protesters rally against coronavirus measures across Europe | News | DW | 16.05.2020