COVID-19 restrictions

Warriors' homecoming pushed back

After being based in Australia for the past two years, the game against the Penrith Panthers on Saturday 18 June was meant to be the Warriors' first game at home in 1023 days.

However, chief executive Cameron George says the government's border restrictions make it too hard to play.

George says it is "impossible" for NRL teams to isolate for seven days after arriving in New Zealand.

"Penrith, for example, plays the previous Sunday so it can't even do the seven days before our game."

PM criticised for breaching COVID restriction

“He has put the lives of thousands at risk. He must be held to account under the law.

“The PM must be charged under the provisions of the COVID-19 Pandemic Act,” said Mr Namah.

Namah reacted after Prime Minister James Marape visited Mendi and addressed hundreds of people at the one time at Momei Oval.

On Thursday January 20, the Office of the Controller issued a media statement with a headline that read Public gathering of 100-plus people banned till March 1, 2022’ following the detection of the first Omicron variant case in PNG.

Brussels police clash with crowds protesting Covid-19 restrictions

Although Belgium announced a slight easing of coronavirus restrictions on Saturday, despite record infections, the government also said people must have booster shots after five months to maintain the Covid-19 passes, which allow them to access bars or cinemas.

The passes, which are mandatory for anyone wishing to enter a restaurant, museum or many other public space, have sparked fierce opposition among some Belgians.

No new Covid rules in England before New Year - Javid

But the health secretary said people should "remain cautious" and celebrate outside on New Year's Eve if possible.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said ministers would continue to monitor the data and urged people to get their "first, second or booster jab without delay".

Meanwhile, both England and Scotland reported record cases over Christmas.

Some 113,628 new infections were reported in England on 25 December, 103,558 on 26 December and 98,515 on 27 December.

PNG Games Deferred

There are numerus reasons for the deferral of the ‘Grassroots Games’ with incomplete facilities and the COVID-19 pandemic topping the list of reasons.

The PNG Games Council awarded the Games to SHP in 2016 in Kimbe through a bidding process, which was also contested by NCD and Eastern Highlands Province.

Restriction Affects Training

He said it’s been hard knowing that there are restrictions in place and with the shutdown of the training facilities at Sir John Guise Stadium and the High Performance Gym it has made it difficult to train.

Abraham, who is a sprinter in the 100, 200 and 400-metre events, says as per advice from his coach, he has been training at home.

Couple holds 10,000 people drive-thru wedding in Malaysia

But one Malaysian duo has managed to dodge restrictions which would have limited the guest list to 20 and welcomed a reported 10,000 people to their nuptials, all in a Covid-secure manner.

Can't be done, you might say.

But it can, if you make your wedding a drive-thru event.

On Sunday morning, the newly-weds were seated outside a grand government building in Putrajaya, south of the capital Kuala Lumpur, while guests slowly drove past in their cars.

The windows had to remain rolled up and guests only got a socially distant wave from the wedding party.

France replaces lockdown with evening curfew

People will not be allowed out the house between 20:00 and 06:00 without an authorisation form.

Christmas Eve will be exempt, but the rule will stay in place for New Year's Eve. Bars and restaurants are to remain closed until at least 20 January.

The number of people in France who have died from coronavirus infections rose by 790 on Tuesday to a total of 59,072.

People in France are no longer required to print or download an official justification for leaving their homes during the day.

Foreign horses set to dominate an empty Flemington race course

Because of Covid-19 restrictions, the tens of thousands of fans that normally turn up will be forced to watch from elsewhere.

Foreign horses have won eight of the last 10 Melbourne Cups and they again lead the favouritism for the $8.2 million race which starts at 5pm New Zealand time.

There are nine european entrants with Irish pair Anthony Van Dyck and Tiger Moth, who are both trained by Aiden O'Brien, among the leading contenders.

Prince of Arran, Master of Reality and Twilight Payment are the other heavily backed foreign raiders.

Covid-19 alert level restrictions extended across New Zealand

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced Auckland will remain at level 2.5 and the rest of the country at level 2.

Cabinet will review Auckland's alert level settings on Monday 21st September.

"With a view to increase gathering limits for Auckland if we are in a similar position of containing the cluster, if the change is agreed on, it will come into effect on the 23rd of September," says Ardern.