Next COVID variant after Omicron: Experts explain how coronavirus can evolve, its traits, vaccination

Tyrese Gibson is mourning the death of his mom, Priscilla Murray.

PHILADELPHIA - IAFF Local 22, the union representing Philadelphia firefighters and paramedics, has filed a lawsuit against the city over its new vaccine mandate. Local 22 says the mandate would risk public safety by limiting the number of people on the force.In a statement, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney’s office says the city is not short on firefighters. The statement also added that the city cannot afford any further delays on implanting the mandate. The city’s deadline requiring all union-represented city employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 was Friday, Feb.

The Queen has carried out her first official duties from home after fears surrounding her health emerged last week. After Prince Charles, 73, was announced as testing positive for COVID-19, it was revealed the 95 year old monarch had been in contact with her son in the days beforehand. Now the Queen has put fears to rest as she conducted royal duties via video-link in Windsor Castle.

BTS member V has tested positive for COVID-19, according to his agency Big Hit Music.Today (February 15), Big Hit Music confirmed that the South Korean musician was diagnosed with COVID-19 after taking a PCR test, following a sore throat. The label noted that the singer has been vaccinated against the coronavirus and is only experiencing minor symptoms.“V completed two rounds of COVID-19 vaccinations and is not presenting any extraordinary symptoms other than a mild fever and sore throat,” Big Hit Music said in its statement, per Soompi.

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PHILADELPHIA - A North Philadelphia school went into a lockdown Tuesday morning as police investigated a shooting nearby. The shooting happened on the 2400 block of Diamond Street around 8:30 a.m. Following the incident, the William Dick School went into a lockdown.The circumstances surrounding the shooting are unknown at this time.

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PHILADELPHIA - A man is making a recovery after he was stabbed in the East Germantown section of the city.The incident happened just before 1 a.m. Tuesday on the 5100 block of Rubicam Street.Poice say a 40-year-old man suffered one stab wound to the chest.

Business owners in Northern Ireland are hopeful of a return to normality, as remaining Covid-19 restrictions are set to be lifted later today.

Novak Djokovic said he would skip the French Open and Wimbledon, foregoing the chance to overtake Rafael Nadal's record haul of 21 Grand Slams titles, rather than get vaccinated against COVID-19.And the No. 1-ranked tennis player is also still smarting about being deported last month from Australia in a drama about his vaccination status that polarized opinion worldwide.Speaking in an interview broadcast Tuesday by the BBC, the 20-time Grand Slam champion said he is still not vaccinated, and prepared to sacrifice titles to stay that way.If need be, not defending his titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon and missing other tournaments is "the price that I am willing to pay," said the 34-year-old Serb, comments likely to further boost his hero-status among some opponents of vaccination.Djokovic said he is not opposed to vaccinations and sought to distance himself from anti-vaccination campaigners, saying: "I have never said that I am part of that movement."But he said "everyone has the right to choose, to act, or say what ever they feel is appropriate for them" and that he believes in "the freedom to choose what you put into your body.

PHILADELPHIA - A man is fighting for his life after he was shot multiple times in the city's East Frankford neighborhood. The shooting happened around 6 p.m.

PHILADELPHIA - COVID-19 cases are down in Philadelphia and people want to know when the city will loosen restrictions like in New Jersey and Delaware.The Philadelphia Health Department has indicated that masks will last indefinitely.During the height of omicron variant in early January, health officials reported a 38 percent positivity rate, which is roughly 2600 new cases a day. Currently, the city says they're seeing fewer than 200 cases a day.Despite the encouraging numbers, health officials are taking a slower approach to easing mandates.We reached out to the city’s Health Department, who referred us to the health commissioner's briefing this Wednesday, saying they plan to address metrics guiding their decisions.LATEST COVID-19 HEADLINES___DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP | FOX 29 WEATHER AUTHORITY APPSUBSCRIBE: Good Day Digest Newsletter | FOX 29 Philly on YouTubeAdvertisementFOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Many Brits will be looking to get away on a holiday abroad as coronavirus travel restrictions continue to ease.

Saskatchewan’s proof of vaccination health order or a negative test is no longer in effect when going to events, restaurants, bars, or the gym.

London’s Under The Bridge on Thursday, but after waking up feeling ‘a touch funky’ he subsequently found out he has Covid.In a statement issued on his Instagram, the 40-year-old singer said this week: ‘I’m so sorry, but I woke up feeling a touch funky this morning so I did some tests and unfortunately tested positive for Covid.‘I’m feeling ok and just taking it easy in isolation. Apologies to anyone coming to my Brits War Child show this coming Thursday, it has been rescheduled and will now happen on Thursday 10th March… I hope you can all still make it!’He went on: ‘For my Radio 2 Piano room session on Wednesday, I was so looking forward to performing with my stripped back band & the BBC Orchestra so I’m hoping we can re-schedule this for a later date.’ Still set to perform as part of Brits Week Presented by Mastercard for War Child is Damon Albarn, who plays a solo gig at London’s Troxy on Sunday.Anne-Marie, Joy Crookes, Bastille, Becky Hill, Maisie Peters, Fontaines D.C.

From its symptoms to infectivity, here is all that you need to know about Deltacron.  

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Stephen Webb has revealed he's had no choice but to pull out of Friday's episode of Gogglebox as he's tested positive for Covid-19.The 50 year old, who recently shared a first glimpse into his new Brighton home with Daniel Lustig, took to his Instagram feed to share the news with the "Gogglebox crew" and his 187,000 followers. Sitting in a grey T-shirt with a black cap on his head alongside his round glasses while Daniel stood behind him through a window, he explained: "This is for the Gogglebox crew, good luck filming this week, can't wait to see you Friday.

Kate Garraway has revealed her husband Derek Draper is still unable to speak after his brutal and lengthy Covid-19 battle. Derek, 54, returned home in April 2021 after spending a year in hospital fighting for his life after contracting coronavirus in 2020, which has since left him battling a number of ongoing health issues. He now needs round the clock care as he recovers from the lasting damage the deadly bug had on him and his body.

The level of Covid-19 infections continues to fall across Greater Manchester neighbourhoods, with some areas seeing fewer than ten cases.

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Dancing on Ice contestant Brendan Cole will skate with male professional Brendyn Hatfield after his partner Vanessa Bauer tested positive for Covid-19. Announcing the news, hot favourite Brendan, 45, explained: "I am absolutely gutted that Vanessa is unable to skate this weekend.

ITV.The TV chef has spoken out in a new interview about many "blaming" Covid for their failures, as his businesses go from success to success.Gino has insisted for many to "stop blaming Covid for everything" as he looks to a bright future in his business ventures.Speaking to The Mirror at his restaurant in Newcastle, he said: "It's becoming such a lousy and annoying excuse to say because of Covid I couldn’t do my job properly, or because of Covid we couldn’t do this and couldn't do that."He sympathises, however, admitting that he knows the restaurant industry has had to go through many changes but he has remained positive and adapted to the situation.He continued: "Throughout the pandemic at some points we had the chance to have guests sitting outside and the councils around us were extremely generous to give us the space to put tables."And we then realised, 'Wow, we should have done this from day one'."So, [let's stay] positive and let’s keep smiling, keep positive."Gino, listening to what his Covid customers need, now has a new terrace overlooking the river Tyne at his Newcastle restaurant.As well as this, the TV chef plans to open more restaurants across the country this year.These include restaurants in Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow.This comes after Gino had to speak out last month following reports his My Pasta Bar chain had gone into liquidation.Sharing a video from his kitchen at home, the Italian chef began: "When I got back I saw a lot of c**p about my restaurant."Apparently, my restaurant had gone into liquidation."Now, I don’t usually do stuff like this, but I thought, let me set the record straight here."About 10 years ago, I opened a business called Pasta Bar, which serves Italian food very fast

A controversial Scottish Government measure aimed at improving ventilation and cutting covid risk in schools will not go ahead in Renfrewshire.

Novak Djokovic has revealed he would rather miss out on tennis greatness than be forced to get the Covid vaccine against his will. The men's tennis No.1 was deported from Australia last month over his vaccination status in a row that made headlines around the world.

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COLOMBO (News 1st); 40,000 metric tons of fuel purchased by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation from the Indian Oil Corporation reached the Colombo Port on Tuesday (15).The IOC had submitted a quotation for fuel supplies based on a request by the Energy Ministry while the IOC has also granted them a 60-day period to make the payment.The Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila, speaking at the event stated that while Sri Lanka is undergoing a large foreign exchange crisis, therefore has been experiencing difficulties in financing oil imports. However, the Minister added that Sri Lanka could not wait until the US$ 500Mn credit line is finalized, and the country was in need of fuel urgently due to the newly created demand which came from the power sector. Reiterating that friends in need are friends indeed, the Minister emphasized that India has proven itself a good friend of Sri Lanka, not by words, but by actions. The Indian High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Gopal Bagley also speaking at the event said that this as two countries have shared history and also underwent difficulties due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, India is committed to stand by Sri Lanka at this time of crisis.

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Tyrese Gibson said goodbye to his beloved mother Patricia on Monday, after she passed away following a week of being hospitalized from COVID-19 and pneumonia.The 43-year-old actor and musician posted a touching video on Monday of him holding his mother's hand in the hospital, along with a heartfelt message about her.His post prompted a slew of support and condolences from celebrities such as Snoop Dogg and Dwayne 'The Rock Johnson.' Passed away:Tyrese Gibson said goodbye to his beloved mother Patricia on Monday, after she passed away following a week of being hospitalized from COVID-19 and pneumonia Message:The 43-year-old actor and musician posted a touching video on Monday of him holding his mother's hand in the hospital, along with a heartfelt message about her'Rest in peace. You fought, mom, you fought. Oh my God I'm so sorry this happened mom.

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Hong Kong's leader has said she would not impose a mainland China-style hard lockdown as the city faces its worst coronavirus wave to date, even as she vowed no switch to living with Covid-19.

After a long and disruptive blockade against COVID mandates was cleared, the Ambassador Bridge border crossing in Windsor, Ontario, is open to travel, despite a heavily police presence. As Mike Drolet reports, a small group of protesters remain.

The current COVID-19 restrictions are set to expire this week and the province is expected to announce an easing of restrictions Tuesday. Many are wondering what our lives will look like over the next few weeks and months, especially those working in the affected industries.

Lockdowns were tough for most musicians – but for one Scot, they provided the opportunity of a lifetime.

PHILADELPHIA - As COVID-19 numbers continue to trend down in Philadelphia, city officials who have been hesitant to pull back restrictions may be ready to take a small step forward.Senior Director of Operations for Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association Ben Fileccia said he expects Philadelphia officials to make an announcement Wednesday about metrics they will use to determine appropriate mandates going forward. The Philadelphia Inquirer on Monday night reported that the city could end its vaccine requirement to dine indoors as early as this week, and the indoor mask mandate may lift soon after.Several states across the country have announced an end to universal mask mandates over the last several weeks, including nearby Delaware. New Jersey Gov.

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Assam government had tightened Covid curbs to contain the transmission of the Omicron variant of coronavirus. The state prohibited the entry of non-vaccinated people to public places, except hospitals. It said that all people are required to carry proof of being fully vaccinated while visiting public places/spaces. The state had allowed classes 9-12 on alternate days and had suspended offline classes up to Class 8.

Omicron variant that triggered the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic in late December and which has now ebbed in the metropolis, the city civic body said on Monday. 

Conestoga High School switched back to remote learning on Feb. 14 after the school received threats over its mask policy.  BERWYN, Pa - Conestoga High School switched back to remote learning Monday after the school reported receiving threats. School officials updated the community with a special announcement from Superintendent Dr.

The Ontario government has announced it will be fast tracking its reopening plans. Restaurant and gym owners react to the lifting capacity limits and vaccine mandates.

As hospitalizations linked to the Omicron variant decline, Ontario has unveiled its fast-tracked plans to remove pandemic restrictions on most businesses. Caryn Lieberman breaks down what rules are being lifted, which public spaces are affected, and the questions over what’s really motivating Premier Doug Ford.

Just one day before she was set to receive the prestigious Honorary Golden Bear Award from the Berlin International Film Festival, Isabelle Huppert announced she can't receive the award in person after testing positive for COVID-19.The 68-year-old French actress tested positive for COVID-19 in Paris on Monday, with Berlinale confirming she won't accept the award in person on Tuesday.'Unfortunately, today Isabelle Huppert has been tested positive for the coronavirus in Paris and therefore she will not be able to attend the Berlin International Film Festival,' read a statement from Berlinale. Prestigious:Just one day before she was set to receive the prestigious Honorary Golden Bear Award from the Berlin International Film Festival, Isabelle Huppert announced she can't receive the award in person after testing positive for COVID-19 Award:The 68-year-old French actress tested positive for COVID-19 in Paris on Monday, with Berlinale confirming she won't accept the award in person on TuesdayStill, Huppert said she, 'doesn't feel sick,' according to Berlinale artistic directorCarlo Chatrian and they plan on holding the ceremony on Tuesday.'While informing the festival, she emphasized that she feels very dedicated to the Berlinale and wants to participate in any possible way also to support her latest film À Propos de Joan,' the statement read.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the never-before-used Emergencies Act on Monday, amid ongoing protests against COVID-19 restrictions.

Saskatchewan government’s proof of vaccination health order, designed to stop the spread of COVID-19, is no longer in effect.That means Saskatchewan residents can attend events, go to restaurants and bar and work out with no limits.Business owners who spoke to Global News said they’re relieved — not because they think it’s the right or wrong thing to do, but because it’s one less thing they’re responsible for. Saskatchewan dropping proof of vaccination requirement  “We’ve been operating throughout the entire pandemic and we’ve gotten pretty used to pivoting our business and changing on the fly,” Cierra Sieban-Shuback said.“So for us, it’s honestly moreso ‘normal’ than anything else.”Sieban-Shuback owns Living Skies Cannabis in Saskatoon.

Corbevax will be the second vaccine after Covaxin which has received EUA for those below 18 years of age. The Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company will be submitting data soon for clinical trials done on children aged below 12 years, the news agency added.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced Monday that the province would drop the proof of vaccination requirement starting March 1, though masking would remain in place. Capacity limits will also be removed on restaurants, bars and other indoor venues on Feb.

Alberta students are no longer required to wear masks in school, and kids 12 and under don’t have to be masked in any setting.Carolyn Kury de Castillo reports on how students and parents reacted on Monday.

A few days ahead of schedule, Ontario will be moving forward with its reopening plans and within a few weeks, the province is scrapping the vaccine passport program. Caryn Lieberman reports.