Dead chickens and decomposing bodies: Inside South Africa’s power blackout ‘pandemic’ | CNN

Dead chickens and decomposing bodies: Inside South Africa’s power blackout ‘pandemic’ | CNN

Johannesburg, South Africa CNN  —  Car crashes, opportunistic criminals, rotting food, decomposing bodies, bankrupt businesses, and water shortages. Welcome to life under South Africa’s power blackouts. Last week the grim extent of the outages was laid bare when South Africans were advised to bury dead loved ones within four days. In a public statement, the … Read more

Why is Britain’s health service, a much-loved national treasure, falling apart? | CNN

Why is Britain’s health service, a much-loved national treasure, falling apart? | CNN

London CNN  —  Most winters, headlines warn that Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) is at “breaking point.” The alarms sound over and over and over again. But the current crisis has set warning bells ringing louder than before. “This time feels different,” said Peter Neville, a doctor who has worked in the NHS since 1989. … Read more

New Zealand Education Minister Chris Hipkins bids to replace Jacinda Ardern as PM | CNN

New Zealand Education Minister Chris Hipkins bids to replace Jacinda Ardern as PM | CNN

CNN  —  Chris Hipkins, New Zealand’s education minister, is bidding to replace Jacinda Ardern as prime minister, after her shock resignation announcement earlier this week. Hipkins emerged as the only candidate to be nominated for the leadership of the ruling Labour party on Saturday morning. The Labour Party caucus is due to meet on Sunday … Read more

Japan considers downgrading Covid-19 to same level as seasonal flu | CNN

Japan considers downgrading Covid-19 to same level as seasonal flu | CNN

Tokyo CNN  —  Japan will consider downgrading Covid-19 to the same category as seasonal influenza this spring, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced Friday. Kishida said he had instructed Health Ministry officials to discuss the move and his administration would also review rules on face masks and other pandemic measures. “In order to further advance the … Read more

Uganda declares end of Ebola outbreak | CNN

Uganda declares end of Ebola outbreak | CNN

CNN  —  Ugandan authorities have officially declared the end of a recent Ebola outbreak after 42 consecutive days with no new cases. A formal declaration was made during a televised ceremony held in the central Mubende district, the epicenter of the outbreak, on Wednesday. According to the World Health Organisation, an Ebola outbreak is over … Read more

Satellite images capture crowding at China’s crematoriums and funeral homes as Covid surge continues | CNN

Satellite images capture crowding at China’s crematoriums and funeral homes as Covid surge continues | CNN

CNN  —  Satellite images taken over a number of Chinese cities have captured crowding at crematoriums and funeral homes, as the country continues its battle with an unprecedented wave of Covid-19 infections following its dismantling of severe pandemic restrictions. The images – taken by Maxar in late December and early January and reviewed by CNN … Read more

What the return of Chinese tourists means for the global economy | CNN Business

What the return of Chinese tourists means for the global economy | CNN Business

Hong Kong CNN  —  In the years before Covid, China was the world’s most important source of international travelers. Its 155 million tourists spent more than a quarter of a trillion dollars beyond its borders in 2019. That largesse fell precipitously over the past three years as the country essentially closed its borders. But, as … Read more

China will end Covid restrictions and quarantining for international travelers | CNN Business

China will end Covid restrictions and quarantining for international travelers | CNN Business

New York CNN  —  China will drop quarantine requirements for all passengers arriving from outside of the country’s borders starting on January 8, 2023, its top health authority announced Monday. The country will also scrap all other restrictive Covid measures for travelers, including quarantines for positive patients and contact tracing. Authorities said the new policy … Read more

India on alert for new variants as Covid wave sweeps China | CNN

India on alert for new variants as Covid wave sweeps China | CNN

New Delhi CNN  —  India’s health minister has advised the public to take precautions against Covid-19, including getting vaccinated and wearing masks, as the country remains on alert for potential new variants that could emerge from the wave of infections sweeping neighboring China. Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday told Parliament that India would begin … Read more

As China moves away from zero-Covid, health experts warn of dark days ahead | CNN

As China moves away from zero-Covid, health experts warn of dark days ahead | CNN

Editor’s Note: Editor’s Note: A version of this story appeared in CNN’s Meanwhile in China newsletter, a three-times-a-week update exploring what you need to know about the country’s rise and how it impacts the world. Sign up here. Hong Kong CNN  —  China’s zero-Covid policy, which stalled the world’s second-largest economy and sparked a wave … Read more