Covid-19 restrictions introduced by the Government on Friday will be lifted if concerns about the Omicron variant do not materialise, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has said.

Michael McGrath said the restrictions were brought in as a pre-emptive move based on public health advice, because there were questions that could not be answered in relation to the new variant.

He said the decisions made by the Cabinet were unanimous and said the Government values the advice given by public health experts.

The minister said there was "unease" that some of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) recommendations were in the public domain before its letter made its way to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly.

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2 men shot inside Overbrook bar, police say

OVERBROOK - Philadelphia Police are investigating after two men are shot inside a bar in Overbrook.The shooting happened Tuesday night, around 8:15, on the 6600 block of Lansdowne Avenue.Police were called to the bar on the report of gunshots inside the establishment.Arriving officers found a 31-year-old man with two gunshot wounds to his leg. He was taken to Lankenau Medical Center by police and placed in stable condition.A second man, 54, was found to be suffering from a gunshot wound to his buttocks.

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Alberta ending vaccine passport program and other COVID-19 public health restrictions

Premier Jason Kenney says Alberta’s vaccine passport will end almost Tuesday at midnight and most other big COVID-19 health rules will be gone in three weeks from now. Dan Grummett, Tom Vernon and Morgan Black have team coverage on what is happening, how the health-care system is doing and how Albertans feel about the changes.

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Alberta restaurants, gyms have mixed feelings about scrapping vaccine passport

Starting Wednesday, Alberta restaurants, gyms and concert venues will no longer be required to ask for proof of vaccination. As Morgan Black explains, owners have mixed feelings about scrapping the restrictions exemption program.

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Alberta removes Restrictions Exemption Program effective at midnight: Kenney

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announces the Restrictions Exemption Program will end at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 8, 2022.

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Kenney: Turning public health policy into ‘political football’ not helpful

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney responds to a question about municipalities and the provincial governments being on the same page when it comes to COVID-19 policy.

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Businesses can continue using COVID-19 QR codes as long as they are issued: Kenney

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says businesses who want to continue to use the Alberta COVID-19 vaccination QR code are allowed to do so as long as they are issued.

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Restrictions Exemption Program has been ‘extremely tough’ on rural Alberta businesses: Kenney

Premier Jason Kenney says the Restriction Exemption Program has been “extremely tough” on businesses in rural Alberta with low COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

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Kenney announces removal of mask mandates for Alberta students

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announces that all mask mandates for children 12 and under will be removed.

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Alberta will continue lifting COVID-19 restrictions in phased approach: Kenney

Premier Jason Kenney announces the final two steps in relaxing COVID-19 restrictions in Alberta based on hospitalizations.

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Alberta expands COVID-19 vaccination eligibility for youth

Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping announces expanded eligibility for youth to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

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The COVID-19 trends that will decide B.C.’s path forward

Global’s Keith Baldrey looks at what COVID-19 trends B.C. officials will take into account, when deciding on which restrictions to ease.

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Philadelphia man accused of road rage shooting in Montgomery County

WHITEMARSH TWP, Pa. - A Philadelphia man is accused of shooting a driver in an apparent road rage incident last month on a highway in Montgomery County. Keith Choice, 31, was taken into custody on Tuesday after police said he shot another driver on the northbound side of State Route 309 in late January. According to investigators, a 65-year-old man was driving in the far left lane when Choice pulled up next to him and fired a single shot that hit the victim in the right upper arm. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESPolice said the bullet narrowly missed striking the victim's neck.

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Tequila could become America’s favorite liquor, data trends show

General Declaration on the Protection of the Appellation of Origin Tequila, as put forth by Mexico’s Tequila Regulatory Council. Tequila popularity has been steadily growing since 2002 and in 2021 alone, 26.9 million 9-liter cases of tequila were sold, according to the Distilled Spirits Council. Compared to vodka, which still has the top spot in Americans’ hearts, tequila sales grew by 30.1% compared to vodka sales which only grew by 4.9% in 2021 alone. "As of 2021, agave-based spirits are the third largest spirits category in the US, behind vodka and whisky. Agave spirits are set to continue on their growth path, fueled by a mix of drivers, including authenticity, product diversity and consumer engagement," according to IWSR which analyzes and tracks alcohol trends. Americans’ consumption of tequila rose 30% between 2015 and 2020, according to IWSR. Tequila also drove industry growth, accounting for nearly one-third of the total increase in spirits revenue, according to the Distilled Spirits Council.

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SpaceX: Geomagnetic storm damaged latest batch of Starlink satellites

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - 2022/02/03: People watch from Canaveral National Seashore as a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The rocket is carrying 49 Starlink internet s CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - SpaceX says a geomagnetic storm damaged the latest batch of Starlink internet satellites, keeping most of them from making the proper orbit.The 49 satellites were launched on Feb.

Usa state Florida spaceX reports Provident

GOP lawmaker apologizes for cursing at Democrat over mask-wearing

UNITED STATES - FEBRUARY 25: Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Ky., talks with the media after a meeting of the House Republican Conference in the Capitol, February 25, 2015. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call) WASHINGTON - A senior Republican lawmaker apologized late Tuesday for using an expletive when Democratic Rep.

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Boom felt throughout southern N.J. and Del. possibly weather-related

PHILADELPHIA - A disturbance in the mid-level of the atmosphere passed through the Northeast Tuesday. Meanwhile, the jet stream with strong winds was passing through Delaware and southern New Jersey during the day.

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Olympic ski jumpers slam officials after 5 female skiers get disqualified over outfits

ZHANGJIAKOU, CHINA - FEBRUARY 07: Katharina Althaus of Team Germany jumps during Mixed Team Ski Jumping First Round at National Ski Jumping Centre on February 07, 2022 in Zhangjiakou, China (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) Slovenia’s win in the Olympic debut of the mixed team ski jumping event on Monday was overshadowed by a number of disqualifications over suit violations that led several outraged athletes and coaches to slam the sport’s governing body. Five female ski jumpers, from Germany, Austria, Norway, and Japan, were all disqualified from the competition after officials said their ski suits did not comply with the International Ski Federation’s (FIS) rules. According to Yahoo Sports, the suits were deemed too loose which seemingly gives the skiers an advantage on their jumps.RELATED: Figure skater Nathan Chen sets record at Olympics after 2018 'poor' performanceGerman head of Nordic events Horst Huttel, whose team was the favorite heading into the event, said, via Reuters, that the situation was "outrageous." "This is a parody, but I am not laughing ...

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Local authorities warn social media scam that attempts to blackmail teen boys, men

A picture taken on October 1, 2019 in Lille shows the logo of mobile app Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, Google and Messenger are displayed on a tablet.

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Update on Canadian athletes at the 2022 Beijing Olympics

Drew Lawson from the Canadian Sports Institute Calgary joins Global News Morning Calgary to provide an update on the Canadian athletes competing at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

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Big Boost Week kicks off; all DHBs reach 90% fully vaccinated for Pacific Peoples; 204 community cases; 16 in hospital

Today we start a national week of action called ‘The Big Boost’ where we’re making it as easy as possible to get your booster, with pop-up vaccination centres and extended opening hours.

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Olympics fans accuse Chinese speed skater of tripping Canadian opponent

Did a Chinese speedskater flick a marker underneath the skate of a Canadian opponent, causing her to fall during Monday’s Olympic women’s 500-metre short-track speedskating quarterfinals?

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Global Covid response program 'running on fumes' amid budget shortfall

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

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Pfizer’s Covid windfall creates new mRNA opportunities

Pfizer will spend all that Covid cash.

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Philly woman frustrated waiting for PPA to help pay for damaged vehicle

CENTER CITY - A Philadelphia woman says her car was damaged by a Philadelphia Parking Authority tow truck and is seeking help from them to pay for it, but, she says, she’s not getting answers from them."I’m waiting for them to pay me for my car. Or pay for my car fixtures.

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Reaction spreads across Saskatcewan as premier announces public health orders will soon end

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe announced on Tuesday that public health orders will be coming to an end in the province.Moe said on Feb. 8, 2022, that the requirement to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for businesses, workplaces and other public venues will end on Feb.

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Ambassador Bridge Closed to Canada-bound trucks

For a second day, no vehicles are being allowed into Canada on the most important trade bridge between Canada and the United States. As Seán O’Shea reports, protesters are preventing it.

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Thousands sign petition after U of T gives students “hell money” for Lunar New Year

A petition has garnered thousands of signatures asking for an official apology and investigation, after the University of Toronto’s Graduate House displayed red envelopes containing ‘hell money’ for Lunar New Year.

Ontario considering eliminating yearly license plate renewal fees

According to a government source, the Ford Tories are looking at eliminating the yearly fees to renew license plates. The timing close to the spring budget, but also the spring election. Matthew Bingley reports.

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Philadelphia real estate experts see better future as newcomers move in

CENTER CITY - Philadelphia’s gun violence is finding its way into the heart of Center City, as a man was shot and killed just a few blocks from City Hall.But, real estate experts say the city is bouncing back."I want to cry, I love my city," Cassandra Adams remarked.Adams is as loyal as it comes to Philadelphia, which is why a changing Center City makes her upset."I went to West Catholic. I went to Temple.

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Abortion referrals can continue for now, federal court rules

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Federally funded family planning clinics can continue to make abortion referrals for now, a federal court ruled Tuesday, in a setback for a dozen Republican attorneys general who have sued to restore a Trump-era ban on the practice.The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati denied a request by the 12 states to pause rules for the federal government’s family planning program while their case is heard.

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Washington Commanders Deshazor Everett charged with involuntary manslaughter after car crash kills girlfriend

LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. - Washington Commanders safety Deshazor Everett has been charged with involuntary manslaughter for the fatal car crash that took the life of his girlfriend Olivia Peters. According to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Everett was charged after investigators determined he was driving over 90 mph just before the crash. Authorities say Everett, 29, turned himself into the Louduon County Adult Detention Center Tuesday afternoon. RELATED: Washington Football Team player discharged from hospital after car crash that killed Maryland womanBoth Everett and Peters were traveling north on Gum Spring Road near Ticonderoga Road in a 2010 Nissan GT-R the night of the crash in December 2021. Loudoun County Sherrif's Office said the vehicle the couple was in veered off the right side of the roadway, struck several trees, and rolled over. Peters was taken to StoneSprings Hospital where she died from her injuries. Everett was taken to Reston Hospital Center and treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Everett posted a $10,000 secured bond and has been released from custody. He is due in court on March 1. Kaveh Noorishad, Everett's attorney, released the following statement to FOX 5 regarding the matter: Advertisement"Mr.

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Flyers name Danny Briere assistant to the general manager

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 27: Former Philadelphia Flyer and Buffalo Sabre Daniel Briere acknowledges the crowd during a pre-game ceremony honoring his retirement from the NHL on October 27, 2015 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvani PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Flyers have named former franchise great Danny Briere special assistant to the general manager.The 44-year-old Briere, who retired after the 2014-15 season, will be involved in all aspects of the club’s hockey operations, including scouting and player development. He joins the Flyers operations staff after parts of five years with the Maine Mariners of the ECHL, most recently as team president.He also worked in the Flyers player development department for the past two seasons in a part-time role working with the club’s prospects, as well as current players, on and off the ice.

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ACT-Accelerator calls for fair share-based financing of US$ 23 billion to end pandemic as global emergency in 2022

World leaders will today launch a call to end the pandemic as a global emergency in 2022 by funding the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, a partnership of leading agencies that is providing low and middle-income countries with tests, treatments, vaccines, and personal protective equipment.With a significant proportion of the global population still unable to get vaccinated, tested or treated, US$ 16 billion in grant funding is urgently required from governments to fund the work of the ACT-Accelerator agencies. This investment will allow them to procure essential tools to fight COVID-19 and provide them to low- and middle-income countries. The ACT-Accelerator is calling for the support of higher income countries, at a time when vast global disparities in access to COVID-19 tools persist. Over 4.7 billion COVID-19 tests have been administered globally since the

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Saskatchewan to lift proof of vaccination, negative test requirements for businesses on Valentine’s Day

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe announced Tuesday that the province would be lifting its proof of vaccination and negative test requirements for businesses and other public venues starting at 12:01 a.m. on Feb.

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Quebec lays out deconfinement plans

Premier Francois Legault has outlined deconfinement plans for the next 4 weeks, as COVID-19 hospitalizations in the province continue to drop. As of March 14, most measures will have been lifted, leaving only mask mandates and vaccination passport requirements.

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Fourth suspect in murder of Philadelphia teen captured in Atlanta

Jahlil Williams and three others are being held responsible for the November shooting death of 14-year-old Samir Johnson. PHILADELPHIA - A second suspect in the November murder of a Philadelphia teenager was arrested Tuesday in Atlanta, according to federal authorities. Jahlil Williams, 23, was taken into custody by U.S.

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Trevor Bauer will not face criminal charges in assault investigation

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 28: Trevor Bauer #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on June 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers defeated the Giants 3-2.

Trevor Bauer state California San Francisco Los Angeles, state California city Los Angeles, state California county Los Angeles stars Southern Beyond

State trooper takes ‘leap of faith’ to catch runaway cat

Freeze frame showing Trooper Enrique Llerenas leaping to catch runaway cat. The trooper can be heard in the video saying, "I liked you, but not anymore, kitty" as he returned the furry critter to safety. AdvertisementStoryful contributed to this report.

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More states remove COVID-19 mask mandates

Across the country, states are once again beginning to loosen or do away with mask mandates in schools and indoor spaces as COVID-19 cases continue to drop from the Omicron surge.

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Nadia Sawalha tests positive for Covid-19 and 'completely' loses her taste and smell

Nadia Sawalha has revealed she’s tested positive for Covid-19 and says she’s “completely” lost her taste and smell.The Loose Women star, 57, shared the news on Instagram and asked fans for advice on how she could get her senses back, as she posted a selfie with two tissues hanging from her nose. Alongside the photo, Nadia wrote: “HELP ! Advice !? Having tested positive. I’ve completely lost my taste and smell ?! “I’m a cook ! Major problem.

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Knife-wielding masked suspect wanted in Chester County convince store robbery

CALN TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Authorities in Chester County are searching for a masked bandit wanted for a knife-point robbery at a local convenience store.Officers from the Caln Township Police Department were called to the Turkey Hill store on Bondsville Road around 2 a.m.

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Norwegian Cruise Line to drop face mask requirements

(Photo: Ingo Wagner/picture alliance via Getty Images) (Ingo Wagner/picture alliance)CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Norwegian Cruise Line said it will no longer require guests and crew members to wear face masks on board starting March 1, according to the company's website. The cruise line recommends that guests wear face coverings when onboard indoors, except when actively eating or drinking or when in their room. "Mask coverings are also recommended outdoors when physical distancing of at least six (6) feet cannot be maintained. The decision to wear a mask covering when onboard is at the discretion of each guest."DOWNLOAD: FOX 35 NEWS APP | FOX 35 STORM TEAM WEATHER APPSUBSCRIBE: FOX 35 NEWSLETTER | FOX 35 Orlando on YouTube FOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter According to the website, when customers are sailing from a European port guests will be required to wear coverings on board while indoors except when eating or drinking or in their room. "Face masks that have two or more layers that completely cover your nose and mouth and fit snugly on your face are permitted. Face masks should block light when held up to bright light source.

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Winnipeg protesters demand meeting with premier, changes to health orders

COVID-19 and end mandates by establishing a clear path forward with set calendar dates.That’s one of their five calls to the province in the letter, which is not signed with any individual’s names.

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Phillip Schofield out of covid isolation after missing This Morning for a week

Phillip Schofield has confirmed he’s finally out of isolation after testing negative twice for Covid.The presenter, 59, has been absent from his presenting duties on This Morning and Dancing On Ice after testing positive for coronavirus at the end of January and previously admitted he was “bored out of his brain” after isolating for a week. However, his luck seems to have now changed – on Monday afternoon he posted a negative lateral flow test, followed by another negative test today, meaning he could leave isolation. Sharing a photo of his negative test on Tuesday, Phillip wrote: “It's official!!! 2 days negative...

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COVID-19: Liberal MP calls on government for clear roadmap out of pandemic restrictions

Liberal MP Joël Lightbound on Tuesday called on his government to provide a clear roadmap out of the COVID-19 pandemic and its related public health restrictions, saying Canadians are worried they can not tell where public health ends and politics begin.

covid-19 Government Health

Many COVID-19 mandates are in provincial jurisdiction: Health minister

Asked about Liberal MP Joel Lightbound’s comments against COVID-19 mandates during Tuesday’s session of question period in the House of Commons, Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos made it clear that lockdowns and many COVID-19 vaccine mandates are within provincial jurisdiction.

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Saskatoon city council votes to lift proof of vaccine requirements, keeps masking

City of Saskatoon is reducing its COVID-19 safeguards despite having some of the highest numbers of hospitalizations the city has seen.Saskatoon city council, in a special session on Tuesday morning, voted to stop requiring proof of vaccination against COVID-19, or recent negative tests for the disease, for people entering city facilities when the provincial government rescinds the public health order to that effect.Councillors also voted to keep requiring visitors to wear a mask in city buildings and on public transit even after the province no longer requires it. Saskatchewan moves to end COVID-19 public health orders The administration told councillors it recommended removing the proof of vaccination and of a recent negative test because it legally relies on the province to implement them.“It would be very challenging to continue proof of vaccination without the public health order in place,” emergency planning director Pamela Goulden-McLeod stated.Requiring masking, city solicitor Cindy Yelland said, is less invasive and therefore more defensible, compared with requiring proof of vaccination.City manager Jeff Jorgenson said the city would be in a more contentious situation were it to keep requiring COVID-19 restrictions when the province didn’t.

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Grand River Transit reducing ION service due to staffing shortage created by Omicron

COVID-19.“Due to staff shortages as a result of Omicron, effective Mon. Feb. 14, ION LRT service will be reduced to every 15 minutes,” the agency said on Twitter.

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United States	Cases: 46 252 513 Deaths: 750 423 Recovered: 0
India	Cases: 34 321 025 Deaths: 459 652 Recovered: 0
Brazil	Cases: 21 835 785 Deaths: 608 235 Recovered: 0
United Kingdom	Cases: 9 215 683 Deaths: 141 607 Recovered: 0
Russia	Cases: 8 494 589 Deaths: 237 619 Recovered: 0

Restrictions lifted if concerns over Omicron do not materialise - McGrath

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