World welcomes 2022 with fireworks and parties but coronavirus threat continues

Amanda Stanton and her entire family have all contracted COVID-19.The reality star, 31, who shot to stardom on The Bachelor, revealed her family fell ill with the virus 'in the last month.'Stanton revealed she suffered a 'mild' case of the disease with symptoms ranging from congestion to an achy shoulder. She also said everyone was 'vaccinated and boosted' except for her children, whom were unvaccinated.

When students and staff return to in-person learning next week, there will be changes to how tests are distributed and reported. The Minister of Health says schools will reopen safely, but the leaders of ETFO, the NDP and the Liberals are accusing the Ford Government of botching the return when families are looking for certainty.

Former health secretary Matt Hancock has tested positive for coronavirus for the second time but the Tory MP says he ‘feels fine’.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The party leaders of Sri Lanka have decided to debate the President’s Policy Statement for the Second Session of Parliament on the 19th and 20th of January 2022.The second session of the 9th Parliament will open on the 18th of January 2022, with the President expected to deliver the Policy Statement of the Government.President Gotabaya Rajapaksa prorogued the Parliament in accordance with the powers vested in him by Article 70 of the Constitution with effect from midnight on the 12th December 2021, and announced that the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament will commence on the 18th of January at 10.00 am.According to Article 33 of the Constitution, the President has the opportunity to ceremonially open the Parliament and preside over the presentation of the Policy Statement of the Government at the commencement of a new session.

MEGAN Prescott slammed two tequila shots before heading to her first audition of the day. While the former Skins actress treated it like any other job, it was anything but, as she was about to dance naked for the first time in a strip club.

Admissions and visiting to a ward at a Dumfries mental health hospital have been halted following a coronavirus outbreak.

Nicola Sturgeon is set to give her latest covid statement to MSPs later today after suggesting her government is planning for a long-term shift away from the kind of restrictions Scots have faced since the start of the pandemic.

Nicola Sturgeon is set to issue an update on the state of the coronavirus pandemic to the Scottish Parliament later today.

Whoopi Goldberg made her return to The View on Monday after a battle with COVID-19 during the show's holiday break.Goldberg, 66, appeared on the show along with castmates Ana Navarro, 50, and Sunny Hostin, 53, who are both recovering from cases of the virus, as well as Sara Haines, 44, who isolated after she was a close contact with someone who tested positive.'If you find yourself coming down with COVID or having to isolate because you’ve been around somebody with it, then you got to spend some time figuring out, "How am I going to not become cranky or get really crabby or nasty to people?"' Goldberg said. The latest:Whoopi Goldberg, 66, made her return to The View on Monday after a battle with COVID-19 during the show's holiday breakShe continued: 'You got to watch television, redesign stuff, because it feels like it’s everywhere ...

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has held a call with Canada’s premiers, and the Omicron surge was at the top of the agenda. From warnings of vaccine mandates, to pressure over approving COVID-19 antiviral pills, David Akin explains what was discussed, and what it means for Canadians.

: After a horrible 2020-2021 season marked by forced COVID-19 closures, Ontario ski operators believe they’re in for a better 2022. As Seán O’Shea reports they’re hoping to be allowed to stay open—and the weather has turned colder.

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a "gifted, kind and compassionate" Scots university professor after she died following a lengthy battle with coronavirus.

Jennifer Lopez's latest film, The Mother, put a pause on production in Spain due to a coronavirus outbreak.The Mother, which is set to be released later this year, had been filming in Vancouver, British Columbia, before production recently moved to Gran Canaria near the Canary Islands.PEOPLEmagazine confirmed that filming overseas had been halted 'due to positive coronavirus cases associated with the production team.' Stopped: Jennifer Lopez's latest film, The Mother, put a pause on production in Spain due to a coronavirus outbreak; seen in OctoberLopez reportedly flew into town last week and had been isolated while awaiting shooting, only to leave on a private plane back to the US just yesterday, according to Page Six. The 52-year-old actress stars alongside Joseph Fiennes, Gael Garcia Bernal, and Omari Hardwick in the Niki Caro-directed film.The local paper, La Provincia, first reported that a 'massive' coronavirus outbreak plagued a Netflix shoot, causing 'weeks-long production suspension.' The 52-year-old actress stars alongside Joseph Fiennes, Gael Garcia Bernal, and Omari Hardwick in the Niki Caro-directed film; seen in December The Spanish outlet reported that Lopez was first spotted in town on Wednesday and was set to film multiple scenes throughout the week.It's unclear when production will resume filming.Spain has seen a rise in COVID-19 cases as the Omicron surges across the globe, with 2,722 cases per 100,000 people reported on Friday, according to Reuters.The percentage of hospital beds occupied by patients with coronavirus was 11.79%, while the number of patients with COVID-19 in intensive care units rose to 22.06%.

A further 11,827 cases of coronavirus have been reported in Scotland – including 903 in Ayrshire and Arran.

More than 300 officers throughout Scotland will be moved to support local policing divisions cope with the latest phase of the pandemic.

Community lets at schools across South Lanarkshire have been suspended until the end of the month with immediate effect.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Sunday (9) afternoon.According to the President’s Media Division, the meeting took place to further strengthen the 65 year diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka.Welcoming the visit of the Chinese Foreign Minister, the President recalled the historic close ties between the two countries.The President on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka and her people, thanked the Government of China for the material and financial assistance received to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.Reflecting on the friendship between the two countries, Wang Yi said he was pleased to be back in Sri Lanka and said that China would always support the island nation as a close friend.President Rajapaksa also thanked the Chinese Government for its continued support in providing Sri Lanka with Sinopharm vaccines for the successful implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination program.The President requested Wang Yi to assist in attracting Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka by allowing visitation using the bio-bubble program.The President pointed out that it would be a great relief to the country if the focus could be on restructuring the debt repayments as a solution to the economic crisis that has arisen in the face of COVID-19.The President also said that if a concessional trade credit scheme could be obtained for imports from China, it would enable industries to run smoothly.Wang Yi invited the President to visit China and expressed confidence that the visit would take place soon.

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.

Covid may soon resemble a common cold as Omicron could end the pandemic, according to a medical expert.

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.

Covid infections continue to rise in Scotland following the emergence of the new Omicron variant over the past few weeks.

A Paisley hairdresser has welcomed the cash boost announcement for salons after covid decimated its bookings during the festive period.

Saskatchewan’s education minister says schools will remain open for now, with students and families having some added responsibilities.

A group of Sunwing passengers has prompted multiple federal investigations, after it was caught on video partying on a chartered flight to Cancun, breaking every pandemic rule in the book.

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.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday there would be a “full investigation” after videos posted on social media appeared to show passengers on a Sunwing Airlines flight from Montreal to Cancun, Mexico, not wearing masks as they gathered in close proximity, singing and dancing in the aisle and on seats.

A further 16,103 cases of coronavirus have been reported in Scotland – including 986 in Ayrshire and Arran.

COLOMBO (News 1st); SLPP MP Tissa Kutti Arachchi on Wednesday (5) said that Former State Minister Susil Premajayantha was sacked from office after analyzing state intelligence reports.“We have the State Intelligence Service. The intel can relate to the government, national security, alternative governments, and even the political atmosphere,” he told a press conference in Colombo adding that Susil Premajayantha was sacked as a result of such intelligence efforts.“It wasn’t just the statement he made at Delkanda pola.

Nicola Sturgeon will give give an update to MSPs later today on the current coronavirus situation across the country.

COVID-19 and frigid cold weather has both cancelled and delayed numerous flights across Canada and beyond. Tomasia DaSilva reports.

Secondary school pupils in North Lanarkshire are being asked to take a lateral flow test before returning to the classroom on Wednesday.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau received his booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday. After being inoculated, Trudeau gave a thumbs-up to the camera and told Canadians to get vaccinated.

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

COLOMBO (News 1st): Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said that the answer to solving the issues in Sri Lanka, is not sacking Susil Premajayantha.“On Saturday Susil Premajayantha visited the market, something he does every week. A media person asked him about the government.

It has been almost a week since Nicola Sturgeon last delivered a Covid update amid the recent emergence of the Omicron variant.

Nicola Sturgeon is set to give a coronavirus update to the Scottish Parliament later this week after cases reached record numbers over New Year.

Scotland's top flight are considering an emergency plan to bring back the ‘five substitutes’ rule for the second half of the season amid fears that Covid could wreak havoc with the remaining fixture list.

KATE Garraway beamed with happiness as she let her hair down on a fun day trip to Winter Wonderland with her children. The TV presenter has been to hell and back over the past two years throughout her husband Derek Draper's devastating battle with Covid.

Staff at Paisley's Royal Alexandra Hospital who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic have shared their hopes for 2022 as they continue to battle Covid-19.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that the struggle for freedom with all democratic rights will resume this year on behalf of Ranjan Ramanayake, who has always fought against corruption, suppression, and injustice.The Leader of the Opposition said that Samagi Jana Balawegaya will be fully committed to this cause and that the struggle would begin with the participation of the young members of his party.The Leader of the Opposition said that he has repeatedly requested the President for Ranjan Ramanayake’s release and has received positive responses orally on many occasions and, still, it is unfortunate that it has not been implemented in practice to date.The Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa visited the

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay reached Sri Lanka on Monday (3) afternoon, at the Bandaranaike International Airport.The Queen’s Baton reached Sri Lanka from the Maldives and will move to key sites in the country on the 4th and 5th of January 2022 before heading off to Bangladesh.On Monday (3) a special reception will be held at the UK High Commission in Colombo.Queen’s Baton will be welcomed by Sarah Hulton OBE – British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka together with Sri Lankan legendary athletes at the British High Commission Colombo.Thereafter on thr 4th of January, the very first programme on the Victoria Dam after it was opened in 1985 – a Cultural Event will be organised for the Queen’s Baton.The 16th

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police said that 52 fatal motor accidents were reported from 25th to 31st December 2021, resulting in the deaths of 53 people.Police Spokesperson Attorney-at-Law SSP Nihal Thalduwa said a total of 2,365 fatal motor accidents were reported in 2021, resulting in the deaths of 2,461 people.He said during 2021 a total of 5,383 accidents caused serious injuries.The Police Spokesperson said despite 2021 being a year with travel restrictions due to COVID-19, it was unfortunate that such a high number of fatalities were reported.Further, on the 1st of January 2022, a total of 18 people had died as a result of fatal motor accidents.On the 2nd of January 2022, a total of 12 people had died of 11 fatal motor accident,

COLOMBO (News 1st); There is no truth to the rumors stating that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will be stepping down, announced the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday (3).The Prime Minister’s Office has rejected such false and baseless claims.

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.

The first case of so-called 'Flurona' has been identified.

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.