Brits could be offered Covid vaccines as 'nasal sprays and tablets' to speed up rollout

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Irrigation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa has hinted that working hours should likely be changed as a solution to the morning traffic in Colombo and suburbs.He made these comments on Monday (21) after he was delayed by traffic in attending an event in Kaduwela.“I was delayed by 15 minutes to reach this location. The reason was the traffic and the congestion of vehicles on the road,” said the Minister adding that there needs to be a focus on reducing traffic ac well.He suggested that consideration needs to be given to travel convenience and work hour convenience, thereby reducing fuel consumption and protecting the foreign reserves.

Nicki Minaj has responded to the Philadelphia Public Health Department’s take on her viral COVID tweet from last year, where she expressed scepticism around the vaccine.The rapper originally discussed the COVID vaccine in a series of tweets posted on September 13. She started by replying to a Twitter user who noted Minaj had last appeared in public over a year ago.

In Rwanda, the ‘land of a thousand hills’, reaching the nearest health facility usually means a long walk that, until recently, took an average of 95 minutes. Although the walking time was halved to 47 minutes in 2020, it is still a challenge for many people to access health care in a timely manner. Through an innovative approach that brings greater numbers of health posts close to communities, the Government aims to further reduce walking time to under 25 minutes by 2024. The health posts serve as an interface between community health workers and health centres. Here, health workers provide essential primary care services and make referrals to hospitals for specialized services, ultimately strengthening the foundation of the health system and improving the way people receive the care they need. The health posts have also contributed to an effective national response to COVID-19, with communities still able to access basic care despite the crisis.

Covid-19 curbs in Maharashtra may be relaxed further in March as daily new cases continue to show a declining trend, said state health minister Rajesh Tope on Monday. 

Omicron BA.2 is more transmissible than the previously identified BA.1 subvariant, it will not cause another surge, the official asserted. 

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The Queen is reportedly set on continuing with her royal duties despite battling Covid-19 behind closed doors. Buckingham Palace confirmed that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 95, caught the deadly bug on 20 February as they released a statement explaining that she's been experiencing "mild cold symptoms". While she remains in isolation as she recovers from the virus, the Queen will only cancel one face-to-face appointment and go ahead with her scheduled meetings over phone and video calls this week, according to the Daily Mail.

Photo courtesy of SpaceX CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - SpaceX will try and launch its next batch of 46 Starlink satellites into orbit on President's Day.The launch was supposed to happen on Sunday, but weather conditions in the recovery zone pushed it back. Monday's liftoff is scheduled for 9:44 a.m.

Queen contracting Covid after they beg her to “rest” after Buckingham Palace revealed she would continue “light duties”.Her Majesty, 95, is said to be experiencing mild cold-like symptoms and is currently self-isolating at Windsor Castle.However, officials at the Palace have worried users on Twitter after revealing she would continue working in some capacity.The announcement has led to many calling for the Queen to “rest” and to take a “duvet day”.Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Sunday: “Buckingham Palace confirm that The Queen has today tested positive for Covid.“Her Majesty is experiencing mild cold-like symptoms but expects to continue light duties at Windsor over the coming week.“She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines.The Queen is the latest member of the Royal Family to test positive for Covid following Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.One Twitter user said: “Oh come on, I'm no royalist but she's got Covid and she's bloody 95 years old, let the lass have a duvet day.”Another commented: “She’s 95 years old, with Covid and working. Surely our queen is allowed a few days off to rest! I was unmovable, wrapped in blankets sipping tea for days with Covid.”While another user said: “‘Light duties’.

Photo courtesy of SpaceX CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - SpaceX will try and launch its next batch of 46 Starlink satellites into orbit on President's Day.The launch was supposed to happen on Sunday, but weather conditions in the recovery zone pushed it back. Monday's liftoff is scheduled for 9:44 a.m.

FILE - Jamal Edwards poses on the red carpet on arrival for the BRIT Awards 2019 in London on Feb. 20, 2019.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka on Monday (21) announced that 2-hour power cuts will be imposed on Tuesday (22).The power cuts will be between 4:30 PM & 10:30 PM from groups A, B, C, and 3 hours for other groups, said the Chairman of the PUCSL.Power-Interruption-Schedule-22-02-2022

The Pacific Highway border crossing in Surrey was open again on Sunday, but the second closure in as many weeks of the key link with the U.S. is raising questions about managing protests against COVID-19 measures. Kamil Karamali reports.

Emergencies Act helped end the Ottawa blockades, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said on Sunday ahead of a House of Commons vote on the controversial measure.Conservatives, however, are highly critical of the government move and some are pushing the Liberals to revoke the act now that blockades that effectively shut the city down for more than three weeks appear to be over.There is one day left of debate on the government’s decision to invoke the act.MPs will vote on the motion Monday at 8 p.m. ET, and it is expected to pass with the joint support of the Liberals and NDP.

Covid-19 vaccine Covovax for the 12 to 17 year age group, reported PTI, quoting sources, on Monday. 

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has postponed a cabinet meeting to have a security briefing and to finalise plans for the removal of all of remaining Covid-19 restrictions, his spokesman said.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police are investigating two separate shootings that took place in the last 24 hours.Police are searching for suspects who they say shot a woman in the leg Sunday night in North Philadelphia.The shooting took place at 17th and Clearfield while she was in her car, authorities said.According to police, the suspects fled in a small white Sedan.The woman is at Temple Hospital in stable condition.Police are also investigating after a man was shot on East Elkhart Street in Kensington just after midnight on Monday.The man was shot in the shoulder and taken to the hospital by police.There is no word on his condition. ___MORE LOCAL HEADLINES ___DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP | FOX 29 WEATHER AUTHORITY APPSUBSCRIBE: Good Day Digest Newsletter | FOX 29 Philly on YouTubeAdvertisementFOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

WASHINGTON - Security officials will reinstall fencing around the Capitol next week ahead of President Biden’s State of the Union address, Fox News can confirm.U.S. Capitol Police are bracing for a potential "Freedom Convoy" truck protest to Washington D.C.

COCHISE COUNTY, Ariz. - The Cochise County Sheriff's Office says it's investigating the death of an apparent undocumented migrant who was killed by a U.S. border patrol agent on Saturday, Feb.

MOSCOW - The U.S. and Russian presidents have tentatively agreed to meet in a last-ditch diplomatic effort to stave off Moscow's invasion of Ukraine as heavy shelling continued Monday in a conflict in eastern Ukraine that is feared will spark the Russian offensive.French President Emmanuel Macron sought to broker a possible meeting between U.S.

Queen is reported to be managing life with the coronavirus after testing positive for it. Lots of people will be concerned about the Queen's health as the virus can be more unpleasant for the elderly to deal with.At 95, the Queen is in a more vulnerable category than those younger than her when they get the virus, this includes Royal Family member and son Prince Charles, who also tested positive.The virus is easier to deal with if the person infected has been vaccinated and this is why the government has attempted to roll out the jab in such huge numbers.It is vital protection in limiting or avoiding the harm the coronavirus can pose.So is the Queen vaccinated and is she having symptoms?The Queen is vaccinated and received her first dose in January 2021 and the follow-up jabs have also been administered, according to reports.Her Majesty previously encouraged people to get vaccinated and "think about other people rather than themselves".In February last year, she said: "It was very quick, and I’ve had lots of letters from people who have been very surprised at how easy it was to get the vaccine.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said there are now 200 remote working hubs across the country.

Covid-19 infection has an adverse effect on the patient's gut health, a new study by researchers from King's College London in the UK has found. 

POTTSTOWN, Pa. - A two-alarm fire burned through two homes in Montgomery County on Monday morning. According to fire authorities, it took place on the 300 block of Chestnut Street in Pottstown. One person was reported trapped after the first floor of one building collapsed into the basement. A firefighter was transported from the scene with a knee injury. Fire authorities confirmed one person died in the blaze. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. This is a developing story.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Customs on Monday (21) took steps to repatriate the last 45 containers out of 242 containers containing garbage arrived from Britain, which was the subject of much controversy in the recent past.The containers were shipped back to Britain by the vessel Ever Genius, which arrived at the CICT terminal in the Colombo Port yesterday. The ship is scheduled to leave the Port of Colombo around 8.00 pm on Monday (21).In 2019, an investigation by the Social Protection Division of the Sri Lanka Customs found 242 containers containing clinical waste, used cushions and mattresses, plastic waste and unsorted and hazardous waste imported into the country from Britain.It was revealed that 112 containers had been deposited at the Port of Colombo and the remaining 130 containers had already been cleared from the port and stored at the premises of a private company operating under the Board of Investment (BOI) in Katunayake.According to the customs investigation, the containers were imported contrary to the provisions of the international convention known as Basel Convention and in violation of the provisions of the National Environmental Act and the Customs Ordinance.During the Customs investigation, the Center for Environmental Justice filed a case in the Court of Appeal.

(With inputs from agencies) Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

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COLOMBO (News 1st); According to a request made by present Commander of Air Force, Air Marshal Sudharshana Pathirana after assuming duties at the office for a dedicated maritime surveillance aircraft on Gratis basis (with relevant surveillance equipment onboard), United States (US) government has agreed to provide Qty 02 maritime surveillance aircraft to Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) under Foreign Military Sales Contract in strengthening the maritime surveillance capability in Sri Lankan Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to ensure the maritime security in the region.SLAF requested Beechcraft 360ER twin-turboprop aircraft produced by Textron Aviation which is a light transport aircraft certified by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in United States and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).SLAF has been operating Beechcraft B-200 aircraft over period of decades which is earlier versions of Beechcraft family, has accumulated ample experiences on operational and maintenance aspects.The established operational and maintenance capabilities are one of main advantage that SLAF possesses in future operation of new B-360ER aircraft.These two (2) maritime surveillance aircraft (Beechcraft 360ER) would be delivered in term of 100% free grant (Free of Charge) from government of US to Sri Lankan government through Foreign Military Sales Contract to be operated by SLAF.These aircraft will be deployed for the maritime surveillance operations which is a demanding requirement in present day context that was heavily urged for respond maritime disasters (Ex: MT New Diamond and X Press Pearl), assisting deep sea rescue missions, monitor illegal fishing activities and to assist Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in combating transnational crimes including

The Queen's Covid diagnosis has forced the Royal Family to face the 'cold hard reality' of their precarious situation, an expert has claimed.In one of the most tumultuous periods for the Queen and fellow royals in living memory, the family has had to absorb Harry and Meghan quitting, the death of Prince Phillip, and more recently the allegations made against Prince Andrew.And according to Royal expert Daniela Elser, the latest news that the Queen has Covid will make projecting stability to the British public an even harder job.Following the Queen's diagnosis, Buckingham Palace put out a short statement, that many including Daniela Elser took umbrage with.It read: "Buckingham Palace confirm that The Queen has today tested positive for Covid.“Her Majesty is experiencing mild cold-like symptoms but expects to continue light duties at Windsor over the coming week.“She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines."The brevity of the statement rankled many, and writing in NewsAu, Elsner delivered her riposte.She said: "Buckingham Palace might be resolutely intent on projecting an image of a united royal family cheerily getting on with the job – but that blithe optimism looks like it’s increasingly flying in the face of cold hard reality."The commentator added that the short statement over the monarch's diagnosis was telling for the precious 'situation' the royal family is in.She added: "This whole situation highlights what is only going to become a more pressing and painful headache for the royal house, which is, how to manage news about Her Majesty’s health."The news of the Queen's illness comes just days after she was pictured using a walking stick.

Omicron BA.2 is more transmissible than BA.1, it will not cause another surge, a COVID task force clarified and added that those who have been infected by BA.1 might not be infected by stealth Omicron. This comes at a time when recent lab studies indicated that the recently identified subvariant could cause as severe infections as the Delta and other variants. 

Shocking — and, frankly, disturbing — security camera footage has captured the moment hundreds of birds fell out of the sky in Mexico.

KYIV, Ukraine - Russia on Sunday rescinded earlier pledges to pull tens of thousands of its troops back from Ukraine's northern border, a move that U.S. leaders said put Russia another step closer to what they said was the planned invasion of Ukraine.

JENKINTOWN, Pa. - Scores of people gathered in Washington DC Sunday in support of Ukraine and many of them from the Delaware Valley. Several FOX 29 spoke to have family and friends in Ukraine.Buses filled with Ukrainian activists from the Philadelphia area pulled into the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center in Abington after a day of protest at the Lincoln Memorial amid rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine."I sure hope peace is possible," Natalie Firko commented.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has directed the Ceylon Electricity Board to adjust the island-wide rotational power shedding for Monday (21) to facilitate ongoing GCE AL exams.Therefore 2-hour power cuts will take place from 4.30 PM to 10.30 PM.Power-Interruption-Schedule-21-02-2021-1 

RCMP officers are hunting for suspects after a brazen attack on the work site of a natural gas pipeline. Coastal GasLink says its facility and nine workers were attacked early Thursday morning.

Police have cleared the main convoy protest zone, as MPs continue to debate invoking the Emergencies Act for the first time. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair about the police clearing out the main area of the Ottawa convoy protest.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Navy brought ashore an ill fisherman in the high seas and rushed him to hospital for treatment on Monday (21st February 2022).The fisherman who was aboard a local multiday fishing trawler, in seas about 115 nautical miles (about 213 km) off the Galle Lighthouse, had suddenly fallen ill and was in need of medical attention.The particular multiday fishing trawler ‘Raja 01’ (Reg No IMUL-A-0105 KLT) was on a fishing voyage leaving the Galle fisheries harbour on 08th February 2022.Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources disseminated the situation of this ill fisherman, who was aboard the trawler, to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo at Navy Headquarters.In response to a request for assistance, Sri Lanka Navy sent out the Fast Attack Craft P 485 of the 4th Fast Attack Flotilla (4 FAF) attached to the Southern Naval Command to bring the ill fisherman ashore for treatment.Having taken over the patient, the Navy transferred him to the Galle Harbour administering first aid and subsequently, he was rushed to the Karapitiya Hospital, Galle for further treatment.Besides, the Navy stays prepared to respond to eventualities of this nature, with a view to assisting naval and fishing communities in distress in Sri Lanka’s Search and Rescue Region.

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NEW CASTLE, Del. - A family is searching for answers after a 21-year-old was killed in a hit-and-run in New Castle, Delaware.Mary Spampinato-Moses said her child was born Isabella Spampinato and identified as Matthew.On Saturday, Moses and her husband came up from Georgia to walk the route Matthew walked before he was hit and killed on Feb. 9 and with every step they take on Matthew’s final route, they think about what the world lost.MORE HEADLINES "I’m so angry right now," said Spampinato-Moses.

Steve Fonyo, the B.C. cancer survivor who ran across Canada with a prosthetic leg a teen has died at 56, friends and family have confirmed.

Roughly a week after protesters started to gather in large numbers at the Coutts border crossing, Alberta’s minister of municipal affairs sought assistance from Ottawa, Global News has learned.

Ontario’s civilian police watchdog is probing incidents involving Vancouver police and a horse-mounted officer with the Toronto police over incidents during enforcement at the Ottawa COVID-19 mandate protests.

The federal government will continue to implement never-before-used powers under the Emergencies Act as long “as they are required” to help end the illegal blockade of the national capital, Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair has said.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Justice Minister Ali Sabry PC said the government has no control over how evidence is led with regard to the cases filed over the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.“Cases are filed by the Attorney General’s Department and the leading of evidence is an independent act by the Attorney General,” he told reporters on Sunday (20).He said the main case is yet to be taken up for trial and it is the judiciary that must act independently on these cases.The Justice Minister also dismissed claims that the government was concealing evidence from the prosecution, however, there are some documents only with the Attorney General and the President as they relate to national security.“The President will decide if those documents need to be disclosed,” he told reporters, adding that the Presidential Commission itself had requested for the documents to be considered before disclosing them.However, those documents do not relate to evidence concealment, said the Justice Minister.

healthcare spending and demand for Covid tests led to multifold share-price gains for pathology firms globally during the pandemic. Those gains have started to fade as outbreaks ease and countries look to reopen, while concerns over higher interest rates have sparked a flight from risky investments including biotech.

A rise in problem drinking during the Covid lockdown is being tackled by the Scottish whisky industry.

The Mounted Public Order Unit rides through a crowd of police and protesters in Ottawa on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022.