Omicron “Horse has bolted” – UK scientist

Published

4 years ago

December 6, 2021

The latest travel rule changes across the UK are “a case of shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted,” according to a leading British scientist.

Prof Mark Woolhouse says the new rules will come “too late” to make a “material difference” to stop the spread of omicron across the UK.

The changes include pre-departure tests for people arriving in the UK and Nigeria going on the travel red list.

But the UK government is hinting more countries could join the list, as omicron spreads around the world.

From Tuesday, travellers aged 12 and over will be required to show proof of a negative PCR or lateral flow test taken no earlier than 48 hours before departure.

British Health Secretary Sajid Javid promises the measures are temporary.

Nigeria will also be added to the travel red list of countries from Monday, which means UK or Irish nationals, or UK residents returning from the country must quarantine in a hotel for 10 days.

But travel and airline groups have criticised the new rules, calling them a hammer blow to the struggling industry.

The British government promises ministers will stay “eternally vigilant” to the risks associated with the Omicron variant and that measures.

Masked up and worried – British citizens combat the new omicron wave.

Citing this week’s drop in the number of Covid hospital admissions and deaths and the “success” of the vaccination rollout.

“We have steadily and steadfastly created the resilient defences which means we can enjoy Christmas.”

Iran live updates: Rubio warns hardest US strikes yet to come as toll rises

Published

5 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Ahron Young

What’s happening in the Middle East?

President Donald Trump says Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed, with Iran now entering a transitional period under a three man leadership council
Trump says U.S. strikes on Iran could last four to five weeks, outlining objectives including destroying missile capabilities, dismantling Iran’s navy and preventing it from obtaining a nuclear weapon
The U.S. military confirms four American service members have been killed, and the White House says U.S. forces have destroyed and sunk nine Iranian naval ships
Iran says it sees “no limit” to its right to self defence and will not negotiate, as missile and drone attacks continue across Israel and Gulf states
More than 500 Iranians have been killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes, with additional deaths reported in Lebanon, Israel and the UAE
Shipping, aviation and energy markets have been disrupted, Qatar has halted LNG production, UAE stock markets have closed temporarily, and oil and gas prices have surged

Oil prices surge amid rising Middle East conflict risks

Crude oil surges 7% amid fears of Middle East conflict; Strait of Hormuz disruptions may push Brent over $100.

Published

5 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Crude oil surges 7% amid fears of Middle East conflict; Strait of Hormuz disruptions may push Brent over $100.

Crude oil prices spiked dramatically as investors react to the growing risk of a wider conflict in the Middle East. U.S. crude surged 7.2 percent, trading near $71.84 a barrel, signalling heightened concern across energy markets.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping chokepoint, has come under intense scrutiny. Rising war-risk insurance premiums and suspended tanker traffic are already slowing the movement of oil, creating ripple effects in global supply chains.

JPMorgan has warned that prolonged disruptions over three weeks could force Gulf producers to reduce output, potentially pushing Brent crude prices to between $100 and $120 a barrel. Markets are closely watching for developments that could reshape global energy pricing.

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News

Trump warns of last opportunity to hit Iran as conflict escalates

Trump declares final chance to strike Iran, aiming to dismantle missile systems and prevent nuclear weapons amid U.S. troop losses.

Published

5 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump declares final chance to strike Iran, aiming to dismantle missile systems and prevent nuclear weapons amid U.S. troop losses.

President Trump has declared this is the final opportunity to strike Iran as conflict intensifies across the Middle East, outlining four key military objectives including dismantling Iran’s missile capabilities and targeting its navy.

The U.S. says its mission is to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and to halt its alleged support for terrorist groups abroad, signalling a potentially prolonged campaign in the region.

Four U.S. troops have already been killed, with officials warning further casualties are possible as operations continue.

#Trump #Iran #MiddleEast

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