Australia: ”NSW pubs, theatres and places of worship say ‘freedom day’ will be their biggest lifeline in months”

Pubs, theatres and places of worship all agree — next week’s “freedom day” in NSW will be the best Christmas present they could wish for. On Wednesday Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced major changes to COVID-19 restrictions would come into effect from next Monday, with the 4-square-metre rule replaced with the 2-square-metre..Read More...

Australia: ”Nightclubs, parties and FINALLY a return to stand-up drinking – here’s what you need to know about NSW’s relaxing of Covid-19 restrictions for festive season”

New South Wales will ease some of its strictest social distancing rules just in time for the festive season. From Monday, nightclubs can reopen with up to 50 people allowed on the dance floor at any one time, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said. Stand-up drinking will be allowed once again, but only..Read More...

Australia: ”Meetings & Events Australia goes ahead with ‘reshaped’ 2020 awards programme”

Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) has announced that its awards programme will go ahead, in a ‘reshaped’ format that will recognise both the impact of Covid-19 and the evolution of virtual/hybrid events. The awards recognise and reward the outstanding work of individuals and businesses in Australia that have delivered excellence..Read More...

Australia: ”South Australia’s arts community is still hoping for a COVID lifeline”

Adelaide musician Motez tells CityMag the State Government’s priorities in its COVID-19 recovery have put South Australia’s arts industry at risk. Two South Australian academics looking at COVID responses for creative industries around the world agree. Electronic musician Motez, real name Moutaiz Al-Obaidi, meets CityMag two days after he wins three gongs..Read More...

Europe: ”Hundreds of millions in financial support readied for hotels, restaurants, culture: Report”

The Dutch government is preparing a new round of financial compensation specifically for businesses which have seen a loss of over 70 percent in revenue. Hundreds of millions of euros will be made available for businesses, including those operating hotels, bars, cafes and restaurants, to cover 85 percent of their..Read More...

UK: ”UK becomes first country to authorize Pfizer/BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine, first shots roll out next week”

London (CNN)The United Kingdom has become the first Western nation to authorize a Covid-19 vaccine, a landmark moment in the coronavirus pandemic that paves the way for the first doses to be rolled out across the country next week. “Help is on the way,” Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced Wednesday morning, after UK..Read More...

Europe: ”Coronavirus Study in Germany Offers Hope for Concertgoers”

Findings from a test event with 1,200 attendees suggest that indoor concerts have a “low” impact on infection rates, providing they are well ventilated and follow hygiene protocols. LONDON — Researchers in Germany may have some good news for frustrated concertgoers across the world whose activities have been constrained by the spread..Read More...