Nicola Sturgeon to give covid update today as First Minister hints at long term shift away from restrictions

A convoy of trucks and campervans blocked streets near New Zealand's parliament in Wellington today to protest against Covid restrictions and vaccinations, inspired by a similar demonstration in Canada.

A Scots health board has been forced to apologise after administering out-of-date dozens of Covid jabs.

Nicola Sturgeon will make a covid statement at Holyrood today after it was claimed Scotland was now "through the worst of Omicron".

COLOMBO (News 1st); Approximately 1.17 million Sri Lankans over the age of 20 are yet to obtain the first dose of the vaccine against COVID-19, revealed the State Ministry of Home Affairs.N.H.M. Chithrananda, the Secretary to the State Ministry of Home Affairs told News 1st that this number of ascertained following a recent study in Sri Lanka.He said that 719,000 Sri Lankans between the ages of 20 – 29 have not obtained the vaccine.386,408 Sri Lankans between the ages of 30 – 60 are yet to obtain the first dose, he added while noting that 64,234 Senior Citizens (over 60) are yet to obtain the vaccine.N.H.M.

Every week, British Columbians make more than 20,000 telehealth visits. But a once such visit has left a Vancouver woman shaken after the doctor questioned what she was wearing. Kylie Stanton reports.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Heavy traffic was reported along Deans Road in Colombo opposite the Health Ministry on Tuesday (8) due to a protest by health workers.Hundreds of health workers marched from the Vihara Maha Devi Park in Colombo to the Health Ministry against the government’s failure to remove salary anomalies and address their grievances, despite recent token strikes.The unions demand that the authorities eliminate existing salary disparities in the sector just as they eliminated the teacher and principal salary anomalies.Health workers across Sri Lanka including nurses, and Public Health Inspectors are on strike citing multiple demands.They resorted to the indefinite trade union action from Monday (7).As a result of the strike activities at the Colombo General Hospital, Kandy General Hospital, 24 Teaching Hospitals, 26 General Hospitals, 46 Base Hospitals, 410 District Hospitals, and 293 MOH Officers came to a complete standstill.

The sister of a woman who’s believed to have been one of the victims of Robert Pickton says it’s outrageous that the serial killer will be eligible to apply for parole in 2024. Sandra Gagnon speaking out one day after the 20th anniversary of the beginning of the police investigation into Pickton.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Navy detained 11 Indian fishermen and seized 3 Indian fishing boats for illegally entering the Sea of Sri Lanka on Monday (7) night.Sri Lanka Navy Spokesperson Captain Indika De Silva told News 1st that the Indian poachers were detected in the Sea of Sri Lanka off Delft Island.The detained fishermen will be handed over to the Jaffna District Fisheries Office for processing.On Monday (7), 21 Indian fishermen who were previously detained were remanded to the 21st of February by the Point Pedro Magistrate’s Court.Court granted permission to record statements from the Indian fishermen and also ordered for the 100 kg catch detected from their boats to be sold and the return be produced to the court.21 Indian Fishermen Detained:In a special operation conducted by Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard, 02 Indian trawlers with 21 Indian fishermen were held for poaching in Sri Lankan territorial waters, off Kovilan and Point Pedro Lighthouse, Jaffna on the night of 31st January 2022.This special operation was mounted by deploying Fast Attack Craft of the 04th Fast Attack Flotilla in the Northern Naval Command, another Fast Patrol Boat of Sri Lanka Coast Guard and with the assistance of the Navy’s Special Boat Squadron.The operation led to the apprehension of these 02 Indian trawlers with 21 Indian fishermen while poaching in Sri Lankan territorial waters on the night of 31st January.As the Indian trawlers were attempting to evade naval units with their aggressive manoeuvres, they also caused damages to the SLN Fast Attack Craft.The Navy also held several bottom trawling equipment and fish caught by this illegal fishing method from the seized fishing trawlers.

A B.C. dad is speaking out about how he says his COVID-19 vaccination status has reduced his parenting time with his two children.

Ganga river near Bihar and Uttar Pradesh during the second wave of the pandemic.

Omicron is reduced for two reasons.

The silver lining of going through an acrimonious separation was the quality time James said he could still spend with his two children.

When COVID-19 first gripped the nation, people stepped out of their homes to clang pots and pans in a show of support for health-care workers. A pair of designer shoes were named after B.C.’s top doctor. Businesses and citizens sent free food to hospitals.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson says the city’s police arson unit is investigating after “disturbing” reports of unidentified individuals attempting to start a fire in the lobby of a residential apartment located near the site of ongoing trucker convoy demonstration.

PERKIOMEN TWP., Pa. - On Monday the mask mandate debate went from a federal courtroom to a middle school auditorium, as a federal judge told the Perkiomen Valley School District to mask up a while longer.The judge sided with the plaintiffs, who argued ending the mandate would violate the Americans with Disabilities Act by putting immunocompromised students at risk.Monday night, a couple dozen parents came out to voice their opinions on both sides.MORE HEADLINES:The plaintiffs in this case were an anonymous group of parents and students. Attorney Carmen De Gisi represented the plaintiffs."They are relieved that they don’t have to make the choice between having their children home and attending school virtually or sending them to school and having them risk severe infection," De Gisi said.Many of the parents and students who spoke at the scheduled school board meeting, in Montgomery County, say masks hurt their children’s ability to learn."There’s children in pain," said Alicia Taylor.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Three people died and one person was hospitalized after an earth embankment collapsed in Madawala, Wattegama, on Monday (7), said Sri Lanka Police.Sri Lanka Police said that four people were involved in building a wall and during the construction process a mound of earth collapsed on top of them. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila said that Lanka IOC had done a favor to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation by increasing fuel prices.Sri Lanka’s LIOC, raised petrol 92-Octane by Rs. 7/- to Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed officials to take the necessary steps to release freight containers with essential items that are held by Sri Lanka Customs.The President had reached this decision with the objective of ensuring that there is no shortage of food and essential goods in the local market.The President had also appointed a committee headed by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa to ensure that there is no shortage of food and essential items.The President on Monday (7) had stressed the need to provide the general public with the opportunity to make purchases for the upcoming holiday season without having to experience any shortage.The President had noted that the opportunity will be given to import selected essential items and there should be no room for anyone to import in excess for ulterior motives and to conceal stocks for profits.The committee led by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa was tasked with preparing streamlined mechanisms to release essential items to the local market while regulating and monitoring the process.

COLOMBO (News 1st): Despite ongoing discussions between Sri Lankan and Indian government officials, Indian fishing vessels continue to make incursions into Sri Lankan waters.Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Prof. GL Peiris is currently in New Delhi for talks and the contentious fishing issue is top amongst the agenda for discussion.Despite this, late last night (7th Feb), Sri Lankan Navy took control of 3 vessels off the coast of Delft Island in the Sea of Sri Lanka.In an operation conducted off the Delft Island in the dark hours of 07th February 2022, Sri Lanka Navy took hold of 03 Indian trawlers and 11 Indian fishermen for poaching in Sri Lankan waters.Taking into account the impact of foreign fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters on the local fishing community and the sustainability of fishery resources of Sri Lanka, the Navy is conducting regular patrols and operations to curb illegal fishing activities in Sri Lankan waters.In the operation, Fast Attack Craft of the 4th Fast Attack Flotilla in the Northern Naval Command seized 03 Indian trawlers for poaching in Sri Lankan waters close to the Delft Island in Jaffna, via International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

NORTH PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia Police are investigating after a man was critically shot in the head in North Philadelphia.Officials say the shooting happened on the 1400 block of West Mayfield Street Monday night, just after 8.Philadelphia Police investigate after a 41-year-old man was found shot in the head in North Philadelphia. Officers found the victim, a 41-year-old man, with a gunshot wound to the head when they arrived.MORE HEADLINES:Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small explained the victim was in the process of making a pizza delivery when he was shot, causing the vehicle he was driving to jump the curb and hit a house on the 3000 block of North 15th Street.He was rushed by medics to Temple University Hospital and listed in critical condition.Police say no weapons have been found and no arrests have been made.___Tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or texting PPD TIP (773847).

PHILADELPHIA - Authorities say a young man was shot nearly a dozen times during a shootout Monday night in West Oak Lane. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small told reporters that at least 35 shots were fired on the 7700 block of Cedarbrook Avenue around 8:30 p.m. When officers arrived, they found a 24-year-old man shot 11 times in the back and torso. Officers drove the victim to Temple University Hospital where he was placed in critical condition. Authorities are still unsure of how many gunmen were involved in the shootout.

respiratory infection in the past 24 hours, taking the overall recovery count to 40.84 crore.

Beverly Hills, 90210 alum Shannen Doherty and her mother Rosa coordinated in matching white tops with blue jeans while shopping at Italian food market Guidi Marcello in Santa Monica on Monday.The 50-year-old former child star also sported sunglasses, moccasins, and a baby-blue trucker cap emblazoned with the Texan company, Summer Moon Coffee.Considering she has incurable metastatic Stage 4 breast cancer, Shannen made sure to protect herself from the coronavirus by wearing a white face mask during her mother-daughter outing. Twinning! Beverly Hills, 90210 alum Shannen Doherty (L) and her mother Rosa (R) coordinated in matching white tops with blue jeans while shopping at Italian food market Guidi Marcello in Santa Monica on MondayDoherty - whose father John died, age 66, in 2010 from a stroke - wrote on December 3: 'I say I'm lucky and blessed all the time and I mean it.

PHILADELPHIA - A young boy was badly hurt police say he ran into the road and was struck by a car Monday night in Philadelphia's Bustleton neighborhood. Investigators said the 2-year-old ran out from between two parked cars and was struck on the 9900 block of Haldeman Avenue just after 8:30 p.m.He was taken to Jefferson-Torresdale Hospital and placed in critical condition, police said. The driver of the car that struck the child remained at the scene of the collision.MORE LOCAL HEADLINES___DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP | FOX 29 WEATHER AUTHORITY APPSUBSCRIBE: Good Day Digest Newsletter | FOX 29 Philly on YouTubeAdvertisementFOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

Philadelphia Police investigate after a 41-year-old man was found shot in the head in North Philadelphia. NORTH PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia Police are investigating after a man was critically shot in the head in North Philadelphia.Officials say the shooting happened on the 1400 block of West Mayfield Street Monday night, just after 8.Officers found the victim, a 41-year-old man, with a gunshot wound to the head when they arrived.He was rushed by medics to Temple University Hospital and listed in critical condition.Police say no weapons have been found and no arrests have been made.___Tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or texting PPD TIP (773847).

FILE - Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) nominee and presidential science adviser designate Eric Lander speaks during an announcement Jan. 16, 2021 at the Queen theater in Wilmington, Delaware.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 14: The marquee at the Treasure Island Hotel & Casino shows advertisements for the "Mystere by Cirque du Soleil" show as the coronavirus continues to spread across the United States on March 14, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada LAS VEGAS (AP) - Nevada gambling regulators say their investigation tracked down an Arizona man who left Las Vegas after a visit last month not knowing he’d won a $229,368 slot machine jackpot.The machine being played by Robert Taylor malfunctioned due to a "communication error" and neither he nor the Treasure Island Hotel & Casino realized that he’d won a progressive jackpot the evening of Jan. 8, the Nevada Gaming Control Board said Friday in a statement.The jackpot was confirmed later after a review but Taylor had returned to Arizona by then and the casino was unable to identify him, the board’s statement said.RELATED: Retired housekeeper wins $50K in scratch-off lottery for 3rd timeThe board said it then began an investigation and eventually identified Taylor after two weeks of checking surveillance video, conducting witness interviews, studying electronic purchase records and reviewing ride-sharing data.A Spanish television reporter appeared to quit her job while she was live on air while celebrating a winning lottery ticket, but later discovered her payout was about $5,500.According to the board, it was important to locate Taylor to ensure he received what was owed to him and to maintain public trust in the casino industry.Taylor, whose hometown was not released, was notified of his jackpot on Jan.

Speaking during Monday’s emergency meeting in the House of Commons on the COVID-19 anti-mandate protests, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said so far, the RCMP has mobilized 300 officers to support the Ottawa Police Service amid the demonstrations occupying Ottawa.

In a passionate delivery in the House of Commons on Monday evening, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered remarks, stating how the COVID-19 pandemic has been hard for all to deal with — including children and especially health-care workers.

“freedom convoy” from the city as the demonstration stretches into its 11th day.He said Monday that, thanks to an influx of OPP and RCMP resources received over the weekend, officers can now go “on the offensive” to put an end to the trucker protest.“We needed more resources to deal with an occupation than with a demonstration. I have worked continuously, 18-hour days, to get those resources.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 10: Heather McDonald attends the Official Launch Event for "Fancy AF Cocktails" by Ariana Madix, Tom Sandoval and Danny Pellegrino at SkyBar at the Mondrian Los Angeles on December 10, 2019 in West Hollywood, Cal Standup comedian Heather McDonald collapsed during a show in Tempe, Arizona, on Saturday night.The 51-year-old star took to her Instagram story on the night of Feb. 5 to address fans from the hospital."So, I'm in the emergency room, I look weird," she began.

(Commonwealth of Pennsylvania) HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania's state Supreme Court will consider a new map of congressional districts recommended Monday by a lower court judge who picked a proposal favored by top Republican lawmakers but opposed by Democrats in the presidential battleground state.The map recommended by Commonwealth Court Judge Patricia McCullough, a Republican, came from a pool of more than a dozen submitted to the court as part of the once-a-decade exercise of adjusting for demographic shifts.It sides with Republicans on prominent areas of disagreement between partisans.The map passed the Republican-controlled Legislature last month without support from a single Democratic lawmaker. Gov.

COVID-19 pandemic," the WHO said.

Alberta is preparing to bid farewell to the Restrictions Exemption Program — the province’s version of the vaccine passport — following hints from Premier Jason Kenney.

There were 18,655 booster doses administered yesterday, taking the total to date to 1,605,815. Also, 1,502 paediatric doses were given yesterday, bringing the total to 200,562.

As we enter the third year of the pandemic next month — some exciting news — all signs are pointing to a more normal spring and summer. Many of Toronto ‘s most popular festivals are preparing to welcome people back to in-person celebrations.

resume non-urgent surgeries as of Monday due to ongoing pressures from the current COVID-19 wave fuelled by the Omicron variant.Hamilton Health Sciences president Rob MacIsaac didn’t alter the sentiment conveyed in a release last week that claimed high occupancy rates and patient transfers continue to plague the city and put strain on the system.“Hospitals in Hamilton will proceed cautiously with ramp up plans, although frankly I can’t see ramping up happening in a significant way for at least a few weeks,” MacIsaac said in city-led pandemic update on Feb. 7.“We need to be confident that we can maintain access to urgent and emergent services.” COVID-19: Acute care occupancy still ‘inordinately high’, says Hamilton hospital network The HHS boss revealed the network’s overall adult intensive care unit (ICU) occupancy rate was at 90 per cent as of Monday, which he says is “as good as it’s been for quite some time.”Over 200 COVID patients are in city hospitals with 29 in ICUs.

B.C. health officials release a written report Monday, Feb.

NEW YORK - A year after winning a major court battle against the opening of so-called safe injection sites -- safe havens for people to use heroin and other narcotics with protections against fatal overdoses — the Justice Department is signaling it might be open to allowing them.In response to questions from The Associated Press, the Justice Department said it is "evaluating" such facilities and talking to regulators about "appropriate guardrails."The position is a drastic change from its stance in the Trump administration, when prosecutors fought vigorously against a plan to open a safe consumption site in Philadelphia. The Justice Department won a lawsuit last year, when a federal appeals court in Pennsylvania ruled that opening such a facility would violate a 1980s-era drug law, aimed at "crackhouses," which bans operating a place for taking illegal drugs.

PHILADELPHIA - Authorities say a Philadelphia family was held captive over the weekend by a group of armed intruders who tortured one of the family members and forced withdraws from various banks.Philadelphia Police Captain Jack Ryan told reporters that the situation started Friday afternoon when a 45-year-old man was robbed and "abducted" by three suspects in front of his home on the 4600 block of Decatur Street in Holmesburg.Ryan said the "criminal gang" then entered the victim's home where they held his family of three, including a 10-month-old, captive throughout the weekend. The victim's 68-year-old father and a friend of the wife came to the house from Saturday to Sunday and were also held prisoner by the group. During the weekend, captors forced the man to withdraw a "significant amount of cash" from various banks as his family was being held hostage. Ryan said at one point in the weekend a family member was "tortured" and has since been treated and released from an area hospital. The family was released on Sunday night and immediately called the Philadelphia Police Department. "They're all okay, as well as you can be after undergoing an ordeal such as that," Ryan said. MORE LOCAL HEADLINES___DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP | FOX 29 WEATHER AUTHORITY APPSUBSCRIBE: Good Day Digest Newsletter | FOX 29 Philly on YouTubeAdvertisementFOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

DEL MAR, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 21: General view of an animatronic Megalodon shark during a press review of Jurassic Quest at Del Mar Fairgrounds on January 21, 2022 in Del Mar, California. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images) RIVERSIDE, Calif. - A new study has left scientists again wondering what the megalodon, the largest shark that ever lived, looked like after it was previously thought to have resembled the great white shark. The scientific research from the University of California, Riverside and DePaul University was recently published in the journal Historical Biology on Feb.

NHS staff absences due to coronavirus are at their highest level since the pandemic began in 2020, according to the latest official statistics.

The Scottish Government has confirmed FIVE coronavirus deaths were reported in Tayside in the last 24 hours.

Boris Johnson's future hangs in the balance today after he admitted attending a party in the Downing Street garden during the first covid lockdown in 2020.

A cleaner who turned up to work at a supermarket while infected with Covid-19 was unfairly sacked, an Employment Tribunal ruled.

A new mutation of Covid-19 is reported to have been discovered in Cyprus, and has been entitled the Deltacron variant.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has tested positive for coronavirus and Angela Rayner will deputise for him at Prime Minister’s Questions, a party spokesman said.

Boris Johnson is to hold a press conference at Downing Street today as the Omicron covid variant continues to spread rapidly across the UK.