Prisoners at Scots jail kept in cells on Christmas day and given banana for breakfast amid Covid staffing crisis

COLOMBO (News 1st); Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Sri Lanka on Saturday (8) on 2-day visit to mark the 65th anniversary of Diplomatic Ties between the twi countries.During his visit, the Chinese Foreign Minister will meet with the country’s top leadership.His visit marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations and the 70th anniversary of theLanka-China Rubber Rice Pact. Signed in 1952, the Rubber-Rice Pact was a trade agreement between Lanka andChina under which Colombo supplied rubber to Beijing in exchange for rice, leading to the establishment ofdiplomatic relations and expansion of trade between the two nations.Profile:Wang Yi, a native of Beijing, was born in October 1953.

Scotland has recorded another 12,602 Covid cases as the number of people being treated in hospital with the disease climbed again in the last 24 hours.

Bin collections are among the South Lanarkshire Council services to have been impacted by staff shortages due to coronavirus.

A couple who were married for over four decades held hands as they died from coronavirus just seconds apart.

James Corden is the latest US TV talk show host to test positive for coronavirus.

KATIE Price is set to front a new mental health show on Channel 4, it has been reported. The 43-year-old star, a regular on the channel's lunchtime show Steph's Packed Lunch last year, is said to be thrilled after being asked to make a pilot.

Winnipeg’s mayor says that the city of Winnipeg is facing staffing challenges due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases, including transit and the city’s fire paramedic services.Mayor Brian Bowman and head of the Emergency Services Unit, Jason Shaw, made the announcement Thursday.“We are not immune to the service effects with COVID-19,” said Bowman, adding the city has been able to handle staffing challenges over the past few weeks so far.Shaw said there are currently 351 active cases of COVID-19 among city staff, including 76 in transit and 85 in the fire paramedic services.“Winnipeg transit is using spare operators,” said Shaw, but said that transit has had to cancel some routes. People should check daily to see if their route is running.”Fire paramedic services are being redeployed, said Shaw, and so far has not impacted response times.“Operational planning and decisions are being made in consultation with our medical director and shared health,” he said.“We continue to get updates from provincial health officials.

Another 11,360 Covid cases have been diagnosed in Scotland within the last 24 hours as the Omicron wave continues to sweep across the nation.

The TV shows NCIS and Chicago Fire have both paused production amid personnel on each series testing positive for COVID-19.Insiders told Deadline Wednesday that production was halted on the CBS procedural drama NCIS due to the prevalence of a positive test of those in the show's Zone A, which includes cast members and crew they interact with.A cast member on the show is believed to had tested positive, the insider told the outlet. The latest: The TV shows NCIS and Chicago Fire have both paused production amid personnel on each series testing positive for COVID-19.

Teachers returning to Ayrshire classrooms this week are facing a mounting workload due to the Covid pandemic, according to a new survey.

TheGrammy Awards and Sundance Film Festival are the latest in-person events to be affected by the COVID-19 Omicron variant.A statement published on behalf of the Recording Academy and CBS on Wednesday revealed thatthe 64th Annual Awards ceremony would be'postponed' out of an abundance of caution.Meanwhile, Sundancehas made the 'difficult' decision to make this year's festival completely virtual due to surging coronavirus cases. Taking a hit: The Grammy Awards and Sundance are the latest in-person events to be affected by the COVID-19 Omicron variant'After careful consideration and analysis with city and state officials, health and safety experts, the artist community and our many partners, the Recording Academy and CBS have postponed the 64th annual Grammy Awards show,' reads the official postponement announcement.The ceremony, which announced nominations in November, was originally scheduled to be an in-person event on Monday, January 31 held at the Crypto.com Arena in Downtown Los Angeles.

The Apprentice star Lord Alan Sugar has revealed that he suffered a broken septum after following the "harrowing" coronavirus protocols that were needed to film the latest series of the popular BBC show.The 16th series is set to air on January 6 as contestants battle it out to receive a £250,000 investment from the business magnate, 74.But in a new interview, the Hackney native has told how he was left with a broken septum after adhering to Covid protocols that included rigorous testing.The TV personality detailed the requirements that were necessary for the show's 16th season to go ahead.Lord Sugar also revealed the jaw-dropping number of Covid tests he's done in preparation for filming the show.He said: "The Covid protocol was harrowing, to make it simple."I think my last count I’ve done 79 Covid tests," he admitted.The business mogul told The Mirror and other publications: "I haven’t got Covid but I’ve got a broken septum in my nose here."His co-star, business executive Karren Brady, also had her say on working within strict Covid rules, explaining that they were necessary to keep everyone safe.She said: "I think it was a mammoth task in itself, keeping everybody safe, that was the priority of the production team and everybody who was involved."She went on to reveal that social distancing, mask-wearing and constant testing were all measures taken even when the cameras weren't filming.Lord Sugar's comments come after he hit out at former Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan, following his remarks about this year's honours list.Piers told his 7.9 million Twitter followers how "disappointed" he was that he wasn't included on the list and "will have to wait" for his turn.He wrote: "Very disappointed not to have

With schools starting to return after the Christmas break, there are tighter rules in place as the first term of 2022 begins.

Residents in Stirling who test positive for coronavirus will now be able to exit isolation after just seven days.

A binman penalised by NHS bosses after he refused to go to work while his wife awaited a covid test result was awarded one day's pay by an employment tribunal.

Crusading parents hope the death of their daughter can lead to a revolution in mental health services in Scotland.

Those who were hoping to catch one more show of legendary musician David Lee Roth before 2022 were out of luck.The rocker, 66 - who recently announced his retirement -canceled his New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day performances at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.The venue cited 'unforeseen circumstances related to COVID' as the reason for the cancellation. Cancelled: Legendary musician David Lee Roth, 66, canceled a string of his farewell shows due to COVID concerns; Pictured at 2021 MTV Video Music Awards in New York CityFortunately, the musician still has a few last shows scheduled throughout January, which appear to be on as of right now.

The 64th annual Grammy Awards will 'likely' be postponed due to the Omicron variant.The ceremony is currently set for January 31, 2022 at the LA arena Crypto.com, formerly STAPLES Center, with host Trevor Noah.A source told Billboard that the postponement was 'looking likely,' with the ceremony pushed back to a later date. The latest:The 64th annual Grammy Awards will likely be postponed due to the Omicron variant.

On Sunday evening, Big Daddy Weave frontman Mike Weaver announced the death of his younger brother and bandmate Jason 'Jay' Weaver, at age 42, due to complications with COVID-19.'I'm so sorry to bring this news, but I'm also excited to celebrate where he is right now. My brother, Jay, went to be with Jesus just a couple hours ago,' the 45-year-old Christian crooner revealed on the band's Instagram account.'You guys have seen him walk the uphill battle and you guys have helped carry him through so much.

When introducing new COVID-19 measures on Monday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said that based on current trends the province could see “hundreds of thousands of cases every single day” as the Omicron variant spreads.

An unvaccinated couple died on the same day after catching Covid-19, leaving behind four devastated children.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s pottery industry has experienced a sudden boom as the demand for clay stoves and pots has increased, in wake of a gas shortage and fears of gas explosions.The high demand has brought about a sense of prosperity to the village of Kumbukgete in Ibbagamuwa, where almost every family depends on the pottery industry.For many years, these families were on the brink of bankruptcy due to low demand and an absence of a reasonable price for their products.However, today, traders from all parts of Sri Lanka are making their way to Kumbukgete to make bulk purchases of clay stoves.

Scotland’s busiest mountain rescue team had a near-record year in 2021 as more people took to the hills in the pandemic.

The Education Secretary has made clear the "absolute priority" to keep schools open amid soaring coronavirus cases as she urged pupils to test at home for the virus before heading back to classes.

Billie Joe Armstrong has pulled out of Miley Cyrus' New Year's Eve Party, which she is co-hosting with Pete Davidson due to COVID-19 exposure.The NBC special to ring in 2022 is set to feature performances from the likes of Saweetie, Jack Harlow, Brandi Carlile, Anitta, and more.The Green Day frontman was also on the bill but has been forced to axe his appearance, 'out of caution', after he came into contact with someone with coronavirus. Staying safe:Billie Joe Armstrong has pulled out of Miley Cyrus' New Year's Eve Party, which she is co-hosting with Pete Davidson due to COVID-19 exposureThe 'Basket Case' hitmaker tweeted: 'After the holiday I found out I was exposed to COVID.

Police have launched a probe after a Scots coronavirus test centre was torched by a reckless vandal.

Scots children aged between 12 and 15 are being urged to get their second Covid-19 vaccine before returning to school from the Christmas holidays.

Billie Joe Armstrong has pulled out of Miley Cyrus' New Year's Eve Party, which she is co-hosting with Pete Davidson due to COVID-19 exposure.The NBC special to ring in 2022 is set to feature performances from the likes of Saweetie, Jack Harlow, Brandi Carlile, Anitta, and more.The Green Day frontman was also on the bill but has been forced to axe his appearance, 'out of caution', after he came into contact with someone with coronavirus. Staying safe:Billie Joe Armstrong has pulled out of Miley Cyrus' New Year's Eve Party, which she is co-hosting with Pete Davidson due to COVID-19 exposureThe 'Basket Case' hitmaker tweeted: 'After the holiday I found out I was exposed to COVID.

Eamonn Holmes feels "emasculated" after being forced to stop driving.The broadcaster has sold his car after battling a back injury for the majority of last year.Speaking out in a new interview, the 62-year-old detailed the impact a trapped sciatic nerve has had on his life.The former This Morning regular said his health had made 2021 a "very difficult" year.He went into detail about how his back issue has changed many day-to-day tasks.The father-of-four struggles to walk, despite intensive physiotherapy and strong painkillers.He has been left to rely on his wife Ruth Langsford and his "embarrassed" offspring.Discussing his challenges, Eamonn revealed for the first time how he no longer gets behind the wheel.He said: "I had to stop driving

Former This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes, 62, opened up about the health struggles that have plagued him for the past year.

Alberta reduced mandatory isolation requirements Friday to give employers “flexibility” amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. There’s also an exception that could allow health-care workers to work even if they have COVID-19.

Scots have welcomed in a scaled-down New Year with Hogmanay muted celebrations amid a wave of coronavirus restrictions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the number of certified drug recognition experts available to police services during RIDE programs. Morganne Campbell reports.

A flagship Scots hospital is only allowing 'essential' visits amid increasing cases of coronavirus.

New Brunswick Health Minister Dorothy Shephard said on Friday that the province could see 1,000 new COVID-19 cases per day within a week as the Omicron variant continues to spread.

Billie Joe Armstrong has pulled out of Miley Cyrus' New Year's Eve Party, which she is co-hosting with Pete Davidson due to COVID-19 exposure.The NBC special to ring in 2022 is set to feature performances from the likes of Saweetie, Jack Harlow, Brandi Carlile, Anitta, and more.The Green Day frontman was also on the bill but has been forced to axe his appearance, 'out of caution', after he came into contact with someone with coronavirus. Staying safe:Billie Joe Armstrong has pulled out of Miley Cyrus' New Year's Eve Party, which she is co-hosting with Pete Davidson due to COVID-19 exposureThe 'Basket Case' hitmaker tweeted: 'After the holiday I found out I was exposed to COVID.

A further 11,962 cases of coronavirus have been reported in Scotland – with the disease claiming another 13 lives.

Debra Messing tested positive for COVID-19 the day before New Year's Eve.The actress, 53, announced her illness via a post on Instagram which showed her lying in bed and wearing a charcoal beauty mask.Her hair was hidden underneath a pale pink bonnet. She looked comfortable in her dark blue robe.

Trey Songz's New Year's Eve concert has been postponed over concerns about the spread of COVID-19.The announcement about the 37-year-old singer's show, which was set to take place at the Chicago Theatre, was posted to Yung Fly Entertainment's Instagram account on Thursday.The production company also wrote a short message in the post's caption that partially read: 'NEW DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED REAL SOON ! STAY TUNED …' Taking precaution:Trey Songz has announced that he has postponed his New Year's Eve concert over concerns about the spread of COVID-19Songz, bornTremaine Aldon Neverson, also reposted the image to his own Instagram Story and added crying and masked-up emojis.The performer previously tested positive for COVID-19 in October of last

Another 16,857 Covid cases have been diagnosed in Scotland – with people across the nation urged to stay safe if they are gathering to see in the new year.

If COVID-19 positive regardless of vaccination statusIf exposed to COVID-19Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even mild symptoms, should stay home from work, school and other activities. Those with symptoms who have not been tested should be tested as soon as possible.“We are adopting the CDC recommendations as one part of our effort to blunt the current very rapid spread of the Omicron variant.

The Amazing Race will return next week for its season 33 premiere after being postponed for more than a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.'It's so good to be back,' said New Zealand show host Phil Keoghan, 54, at the start of the episode in an exclusive clip provided to Variety.'We know how much you have missed The Amazing Race, and believe me, we have missed making it for you,' he added.

During one of the busiest times of the year, B.C. restaurants are temporarily shutting their doors because they don’t have enough staff free of COVID-19 symptoms.

The Palm Springs International Film Festival will be skipping its 2022 edition.The esteemed film festival announced Wednesday that its upcoming dates in January had been canceled in a statement, via Variety.Festival organizers wrote that canceling the festival was 'the most responsible decision' in the face of surging COVID-19 cases, which have been spurred on by the more-contagious Omicron variant.

An unvaccinated mother has died from coronavirus just two months after giving birth to her only son in hospital.

Scots rocker Ricky Ross has added his voice to the chorus of famous faces asking people to get "boosted by the bells" to curb the spread of Covid-19.

A couple who had their wedding postponed three times have finally tied the knot - nearly two years after they had originally planned to wed.

DANNIELLA Westbrook has revealed she was forced to spend Christmas alone after catching Covid. The 48-year-old took to Instagram to share a heavily filtered snap of herself, telling her followers: "I hate Covid." She added: "So I had to isolate away from my kids and family this Christmas." And Danniella's 'anti-vax' daughter Jodie Jenkins has also caught the virus - for the second time.