China approves 1st homegrown vaccine as COVID-19 pandemic surges globally

China has approved its first homegrown COVID-19 vaccine for general use, marking the addition of another vaccine as the virus surges back around the world.

UK COVID-19 variant detected in Southern California: Gov. Newsom

Health officials confirmed a new coronavirus variant first identified in the United Kingdom has been detected in Southern California, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday. 

First known US case of UK COVID-19 variant confirmed in Colorado

The U.S. has confirmed its first case of a new, likely more transmissible variant of the coronavirus first identified in the U.K.

Canada to require negative COVID-19 test for people entering country

Passengers must have a negative test taken within three days before their arrival to the country, the Canadian government said Wednesday.

Spain to keep registry of people who refuse COVID-19 vaccine, will share with EU: health minister

Spain will begin keeping a record of those who refuse a coronavirus vaccine and will share that information with other nations in the European Union, the country's health minister said Monday.

Hospital develops 'hugging curtain' for sick children to touch loved ones

A hospital in Rome has come up with a unique solution to allow families to have personal contact with children who are patients while also minimizing the risk of them catching the coronavirus.

Trump pardons of Blackwater contractors in killing of Iraqi civilians stir angry response

The pardons of four Blackwater contractors convicted in the shooting deaths of more than a dozen Iraqi civilians has prompted outrage from some human rights activists and Iraqis.

UK and EU reach historic post-Brexit trade agreement

Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Year chaos for cross-border traders and bring a measure of certainty for businesses.

More EU nations ban travel from UK, fearing virus variant

A growing list of European Union nations and Canada barred travel from the U.K. on Sunday and others were considering similar action, in a bid to block a new strain of coronavirus sweeping across southern England from spreading to the continent.  

Russia banned from using its name, flag and anthem at next 2 Olympics

Russia has been banned from using its name, flag and anthem at the next two Olympics or at any world championships for the next two years.

Air pollution ruled as cause of 9-year-old's death in UK

A British coroner has ruled that excessive air pollution from traffic fumes contributed to the death of a 9-year-old girl who died of a fatal asthma attack.

Germany enters stricter lockdown as coronavirus deaths hit new high

Germany has hit a new record level of deaths from the coronavirus as it enters a stricter lockdown, closing shops and schools.

UK regulators warn of possible allergic reactions to COVID vaccine

U.K. regulators have had two reports of possible allergic reactions from people who were given the vaccine for COVID-19.

Boeing 737 Max back in the air for commercial flights 2 years after deadly crashes

Commercial flights with Boeing 737 Max jetliners resumed Wednesday for the first time since they were grounded worldwide following two deadly accidents nearly two years ago.