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January 29, 2021 (Friday)
3.6 minutes to read
Business and economy
Spain's GDP contracts 11% in 2020, the country's worst economic performance since the Spanish Civil War.
Disasters and accidents
The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for all areas above 6,500 feet (1,981 meters) in Nevada.
A helicopter crashes against a hill in eastern Cuba, killing all five people onboard.
Health and environment
The European Medicines Agency approves the Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine for use within the EU and recommends that the European Commission grant it 'limited marketing authorization' within the union.
Malaysia reports a record 5,725 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 203,933.
The German Ministry of Interior bans entry to all travellers from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Brazil, Portugal, and South Africa from tomorrow until February 17 in order to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants. In addition, travellers from Lesotho and Eswatini will also be banned beginning January 31.
Greece delays the reopening of high schools, which was scheduled to begin on February 1, due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, particularly in red zone areas.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announces that the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in Metro Manila will be extended until February 28 and also places the Cordillera Administrative Region under GCQ status because most of the cases of the B.1.1.7 variant have been reported in the region.
The government announces that COVID-19 restrictions will be eased in most areas of the country beginning February 1, allowing some businesses to reopen and restaurants to extend their operating hours.
Pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson announces their single-dose COVID-19 vaccine is 66% effective in preventing moderate disease and 85% in preventing severe disease during a global trial.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and major Canadian airlines agree to suspend all flights to "sun destinations" such as the Caribbean and Mexico until April 30.
Delaware reports the first case of the B.1.1.7 variant of SARS-CoV-2 in three people from New Castle County.
The CDC issues a rule requiring all travelers using public transportation to wear a mask while boarding, during the trip, and while disembarking. The rule also states face shields, bandanas, and scarves are not permissible forms of face covering.
Trudeau announces new measures to take effect "in the coming weeks" that will require incoming travelers to undergo mandatory PCR testing upon arrival and quarantine in a hotel for a maximum of three days at their own expense.
Prime Minister Jean Castex announces the closure of borders to all travelers outside the European Union beginning January 31 in order to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants and avoid a third lockdown. In addition, travel between the overseas territories will be limited and all large shopping centres will be closed.
International relations
Russian President Vladimir Putin signs a bill extending the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty with the United States until 2026, ahead of its expiration date next week, following talks with U.S. President Joe Biden.
A Vanuatu patrol boat detains two Chinese fishing vessels near the Torres Islands in the Coral Sea for suspected illegal fishing.
Law and crime
Migrants set fire to the Napier Barracks at Shorncliffe Army Camp in Kent after "reports of a disturbance". The Home Office says people "set about destroying the barracks", after being told that they were being moved due to a COVID-19 outbreak at the camp. Kent Police say that the fire caused "a significant amount of damage" and is investigating it as a suspected arson attack.
A man is arrested after being linked to the murders of three women and the wounding of a man in the past three days in and around Valence, France. The victims, who were shot in four separate locations, were HR managers; the attacker's motives are suspected to be linked to his earlier employment.
Two members of the Proud Boys are charged with conspiracy to breach the United States Capitol, including one of the members seen smashing a window with a police shield.
The FBI announces that two women are arrested in Pennsylvania for their roles in the January 6 riot. One of the women, Dawn Bancroft, made threats to shoot House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Politics and elections
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announce that Brian Sicknick, the United States Capitol Police officer who died from injuries sustained during the storming of the United States Capitol, will lie in honor at the Rotunda.
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