WHO declares end to COVID global health emergency

23 Sept 02:13 Key points summarised by AI

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared an end to COVID-19 as a global health emergency, over three years after its initial declaration.
This significant decision marks a major step towards the pandemic's conclusion, which has claimed over 6.9 million lives and severely impacted the global economy.
The move reflects substantial global progress in fighting the disease, attributed to widespread vaccination, improved treatments, and increased population immunity.
Despite lifting the emergency status, the WHO cautions that COVID-19 remains a global health threat, urging continued vigilance and stressing that the 'battle is not over' as health systems still have weaknesses.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Today 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.