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The end of COVID-19 is in sight, WHO says

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3 years ago

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The world has never been in a better position to end the pandemic, according to the World Health Organisation

In his most optimistic outlook yet, the Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) believes weekly Covid-19 deaths have fallen to their lowest levels since March 2020.

“We are not there yet. But the end is in sight,” Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

The UN-backed group raised the alarm for Covid-19 in January 2020, when it described the virus as an “international emergency”.

Three months later, the virus was officially declared a pandemic, and has since claimed the lives of 6.52 million people.

“Now is the time to run harder and make sure we cross the line and reap the rewards of all our hard work,” Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

The WHO has issued a set of policy briefs to ensure governments can increase their efforts to slow the spread of the virus.

These briefs include action on vaccines, infection control, and stopping the spread of misinformation.

But the WHO Director General has warned new variants could undo any progress that has been made.

Maria Van Kerkhove is a senior epidemiologist with the WHO, who echoed the Director General’s words.

“We expect there to be future waves of infections, potentially at different time points throughout the world caused by different subvariants of Omicron or even different variants of concern,” she said.

Nearly two-thirds of the global population are vaccinated against the virus, as the WHO encourages people to take up booster shots if they are eligible.

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Costa is a news producer at ticker NEWS. He has previously worked as a regional journalist at the Southern Highlands Express newspaper. He also has several years' experience in the fire and emergency services sector, where he has worked with researchers, policymakers and local communities. He has also worked at the Seven Network during their Olympic Games coverage and in the ABC Melbourne newsroom. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), with expertise in journalism, politics and international relations. His other interests include colonial legacies in the Pacific, counter-terrorism, aviation and travel.

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Oil prices surge as U.S.-Iran tensions escalate

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15 hours ago

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February 5, 2026

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Crude oil prices jumped over 3% on Wednesday as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks showed signs of faltering, pushing WTI futures above $65 per barrel. Axios reported disagreements over the venue and scope of Friday’s talks, while President Trump warned Iran’s supreme leader to “be very worried,” stoking fears of military escalation.

Tensions in the Persian Gulf added to the volatility. A U.S. F-35C shot down an Iranian drone near the USS Abraham Lincoln, and Iranian vessels threatened a U.S.-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The USS McFaul escorted the tanker to safety, highlighting the region’s fragile oil supply routes.

Despite the clashes, nuclear talks will go ahead on Friday in Oman, but uncertainty continues to drive oil market volatility, with traders closely watching both diplomatic and military developments.

#OilPrices #IranUS #NuclearTalks #PersianGulf #WTI #EnergyMarket #Geopolitics #OilSupply


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Washington Post layoffs: Hundreds of journalists cut as Bezos faces criticism

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17 hours ago

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February 5, 2026

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The Washington Post has laid off hundreds of employees, marking what former executive editor Martin Baron calls “one of the darkest days” in the paper’s history. Approximately one-third of the newsroom staff were affected, as the company undertakes a so-called “strategic reset” to compete in a crowded media landscape.

The cuts hit key areas, including the sports desk, local coverage, international reporting, the books desk, and the flagship daily news podcast. Editor-in-Chief Matt Murray said the changes aim to prioritise national security, politics, science, health, technology, climate, and business coverage while positioning the Post for the future.

Critics have called out owner Jeff Bezos for his silence during the layoffs and alleged efforts to influence the paper’s political stance. Former editor Baron warned that the newspaper’s ambitions would be sharply diminished and its credibility could suffer.

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Amazon launches AI tools to change film and television production

Amazon MGM Studios tests AI to streamline production, reduce costs, enhancing but not replacing human creativity, says AI Studio team.

Published

22 hours ago

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February 5, 2026

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Amazon MGM Studios tests AI to streamline production, reduce costs, enhancing but not replacing human creativity, says AI Studio team.

Amazon MGM Studios is stepping into the future of entertainment by developing artificial intelligence tools designed to reduce production costs and streamline filmmaking processes. This closed beta, launching in March, will let industry partners test how AI can enhance creativity and efficiency on set.

Amy Cheng, leading the AI Studio team, emphasises that while AI can accelerate workflows, it will never replace the unique contributions of human creativity. The initiative represents Amazon’s push to innovate in content creation while maintaining the art of storytelling.

The use of AI in Hollywood is expanding rapidly, sparking discussions about its impact on jobs and the future of the industry. As studios explore automation, the balance between efficiency and human artistry remains a central concern.

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