Covid curbs to end, but use of masks to continue

First Dates barman Merlin Griffiths has gushed over the NHS as he thanked them for saving his life as he shared a concerning selfie from his hospital bed. The 46-year-old connoisseur appeared to be physically drained as he shared the recovery snap on Twitter to update his loyal legion of fans about his ongoing cancer treatment.He confessed to his 44,000 followers on the social media platform that he was suffering from a few “aches and pains” but revealed he had “no tumour” online.

city's infection tally has increased to 18,68,033. The death toll stands at 26,160.

NEW DELHI :

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Parliamentarian was confronted by angry locals when he was visiting Urubokka, a small town in the southern part of Sri Lanka.The MP was jeered off by the locals following a brief exchange of words. 

Smoke is seen rising over Darnytskyi District of Kyiv, Ukraine on April 16, 2022. (Photo by Metin Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) KYIV, Ukraine (AP) - Russian forces resumed scattered attacks on Kyiv, western Ukraine and beyond Saturday in an explosive reminder to Ukrainians and their Western supporters that the whole country remains under threat despite Russia’s pivot toward mounting a new offensive in the east.Stung by the loss of its Black Sea flagship and indignant over what it alleged were Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, Russia's military command had warned a day earlier of renewed attacks on Ukraine's capital and said it was targeting military sites.Associated Press reporters documented civilian deaths in strikes this week on the eastern city of Kharkiv, and each day brings new discoveries of civilian victims in a war that has shattered European security.

Chicago Bulls guard/forward Demar Derozan (11) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) embrace after a Bucks win at the United Center in Chicago on Friday, March 4, 2022. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Imag Zach LaVine has an Olympic gold medal.

Every dog must have its day, and for Brady the pup, that day came on Wednesday. As Nicole Stillger explains, he helped save his owner after she took a big fall.

WHO official asserted, In order to protect our future, we must deal with the present. If we fail now to vaccinate everyone, if we fail to continue diagnosing, if we fail to find the people who can benefit from the treatment, then we will fail in the future.

The Canadian Open Squash Championships wrapped up Friday in memorable fashion. As Cami Kepke reports, it’s a landmark event for women in sport as Canada’s success on the international stage reaches new heights.

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - Eligio Bishop, the leader of the suspected cult Carbon Nation, made his first appearance before a DeKalb County judge on Friday facing charges of rape and false imprisonment."Prohibition on sexually explicit transmission, three counts of that, one count of rape and one count of false imprisonment," DeKalb County Magistrate Judge Abbi Taylor told Bishop during his first appearance. "Because of those charges, I am not able to set a bond in your case."Bishop, who has been in the DeKalb County jail since late Wednesday evening, made his first appearance by Zoom on Friday."Outstanding" was the only words Bishop spoke during the virtual court hearing.A preliminary hearing in the case has not yet been scheduled.SUSPECTED CULT LEADER ARRESTED ON RAPE, FALSE IMPRISONMENT CHARGES DURING DEKALB COUNTY RAIDEligio Bishop, who goes by Natureboy, was arrested by DeKalb County police on charges of rape, false imprisonment, and transmitting revenge porn.Bishop faces charges of rape, false imprisonment, and sending sexual explicit messages.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ga - A Floyd County man is charged with the murder of his grandmother and hiding her body in a freezer for months.Investigators said she was still alive and breathing when she was put into the appliance.Robert Tincher III, 29, was charged with the murder of his 82-year-old grandmother, Doris Cumming, and hiding her body in a freezer for months.Floyd County police said in December the elderly woman fell in the apartment the two shared. Investigator Brittany Werner said Tincher put her body in plastic bags.According to the warrant, Tincher dragged the woman through the apartment and "heard and saw numerous bones break".Police say Tincher then put her inside a freezer, while she was still alive."From what we determined, at the time, he believed she was still breathing and had some movement at the time she was going into the freezer," said Floyd County Investigator Brittany Werner.Police said Tincher stayed in the apartment with the freezer in the kitchen, for months.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Several discussions were held on Saturday (16) under the auspices of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa regarding the current situation in the country.The President’s Media Division (PMD) said the first discussion was between Finance Minister Ali Sabri, PC, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Secretary to the President Gamini Senerath, Presidential Advisor Lalith Weeratunga, and Secretary to the Ministry of Finance K.S.

Shanghai reported a record number of symptomatic Covid-19 cases today as other areas across China tightened controls against the virus.

With some children getting Covid infection soon after schools reopened, health experts pointed out there is no need to panic as children usually show mild symptoms but stressed that the children who are eligible to get vaccinated against Covid must get the jab. They further urged all to maintain COVID-appropriate behaviour. 

ANI reported. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has called on the Sri Lankan Government to desist from taking any steps whatsoever to disrupt what is a legitimate exercise of the freedom of dissent of the people.In a statement, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) said it received credible information from its members of a number of police trucks being moved into the vicinity of Galle Face Green, where there is an ongoing mass protest.‘The trucks have now been removed after it was highlighted in social media and brought to the notice of the authorities,’ said the statement.The BASL views with grave concern any attempt to disrupt in whatever manner, what is a peaceful protest by the people of this country, and any such attempt will have grave repercussions for the country, democracy, its economy, and the rule of law. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); Chairman of Litro Gas Theshara Jayasinghe has tendered his letter of resignation to the President.The letter dated the 14th of April 2022 notes that on the 26th of July 2021 he accepted the post of Chairman to lead a state-owned institution that was marred with irregularities, and corruption, and was not subject to any government audit.Citing multiple other facts, the gas crisis and the present state of affairs as well as his personal policies, Theshara Jayasinghe said he decided to step down with effect from the 14th of April 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has informed the government that it is a violation of fundamental rights if the peaceful assembly of the citizens protected under the Constitution is suppressed by using any unlawful methods.Therefore, HRCSL urged the government to take necessary steps to prevent such action by the State forthwith.

As Shanghai and some other areas reported a record number of symptomatic COVID-19 cases on Saturday,  China imposed more restrictions to keep up its "dynamic clearance" approach to stamp out Omicron. 

There are 735 patients with Covid-19 in hospitals across Ireland this morning. That is 74 fewer than yesterday.

With Canada in the thick of the 6th wave, some regions have brought back mask mandates in schools. Dr. Iris Gorfinkel shares her insight on her guidance and how families can keep safe this long weekend.

New Delhi: The central government has provided more than 2.48 crore tele-consultation services through 1.17 lakh Ayushman Bharat health Wellness Centres (AB-HWC) across the country in the last four years.

(With inputs from agencies)

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s former Army Commander Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka in an open statement on Facebook has urged Defence Secretary General G.D.H. Kamal Gunaratne (Retd), and General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army to rethink the unlawful orders given by the corrupt rulers concerning the peaceful civil struggles that are taking place in the country.“You led battalions in the humanitarian mission to defeat terrorism under my orders and directives.

The bodies of more than 900 civilians have been discovered in the region surrounding the Ukrainian capital following Russia’s withdrawal — most of them fatally shot, police said Friday, an indication that many people were “simply executed.”

X Factor star Janet Devlin revealed she was a little confused by Jesy Nelson's Little Mix exit.Janet and the Little Mix ladies both shot to fame in 2011 when they starred on ITV's X Factor, with Little Mix going on to win the competition.Since the show, Janet revealed she hasn't spoken to the girls since the show but has become a big fan of their music.The stunning musician chatted exclusively to the Daily Star ahead of her It's Not That Deep tour which kicked off this week.Talking to showbiz reporter Carly Hacon on a Daily Star Facebook Live, Janet said: "I think we did one festival together since but we were both busy performing so we didn't see each other.Though Jesy's departure from the group did take her by surprise and also confused her after Jesy announced she was leaving for mental health reasons in December 2020.She added: "I think I was confused, 'I'm gonna take a break for my mental health' and then just releases a single. I was a bit confused, so I'm on the same level as everyone else."I just watch everything that happens online because I love a bit of internet drama."I love Little Mix and I'm such a massive fun and love their music, so that was the only thing that took me by surprise because I was like 'I thought you were on a break, but ok...'"Janet also went on to reveal how she nearly died multiple times.During the Facebook Live tell-all, singer Janet also spoke about the devastating effects alcohol has had on her life.Janet is now six years in recovery and now aged 27, after joining the ITV competition when she was just 16-years-old in 2011.Talking about her lowest points, Janet said: "I wasn't able to turn up for work.

James Martin loves butter so much that he's even dedicated a recipe book to it. Despite claiming that "everywhere [else] in the world" outside of Britain is able to eat it in "moderation", he admits to being unable to resist his cravings for the tempting topping."It’s a British problem.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) has decided to direct the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) to temporarily close the stock market for a period of five business days commencing from 18th April 2022.The Board of Directors of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) by way of a communication dated 15th April 2022 has called upon the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) to temporarily close the stock market citing the present situation in the country. Many other stakeholders of the securities market including the Colombo Stock Brokers Association have also sought the temporary closure of the market on the same grounds.The SEC has carefully considered the grounds that have been adduced by them and has evaluated the impact the present situation in the country could have on the stock market, in particular the ability to conduct an orderly and fair market for trading in securities.The SEC is of the view that it would be in the best interests of investors as well as other market participants if they are afforded an opportunity to have more clarity and understanding of the economic conditions presently prevalent, in order for them to make informed investment decisions.

LIVONIA, Mich. (FOX 2) - Parents at Grand River Academy Livonia are outraged when a kindergartner brought a bottle of ready-to-drink Jose Cuervo margaritas and multiple students drank from them.Alexis Smith is one of those parents.

Mansukh Mandaviya conducted several meetings with health ministers of States and Union Territories to review the status of the operationalisation of the teleconsultation services at AB-HWCs.

Today we are reporting 13,511 community cases (7,763 on Friday and 5,748 today), and 30 deaths (20 on Friday and 10 today) over the past two days since our last COVID-19 update on Thursday. There are 500 people in hospital today. There were 502 people in hospital yesterday.

High winds flew through Quebec and Ontario Friday causing more than 215,000 Canadians to lose their power.

Covid-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and union territories to be administered, said the ministry.

Union Health Ministry data. The death toll reached 5,21,747 with four more fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated.

Surrey RCMP said the incident began just before 4 p.m., when officers tried to pull over a vehicle with uninsured, unattached plates near Scott Road and 102 Avenue.

Moskva missile cruiser, the flagship of its Black Sea Fleet, has sunk while being towed to port following what it said was a fire and explosions involving ammunition stowed onboard.Ukraine says the Moskva’s fate was sealed by a missile strike launched by its forces from the coast which ripped open the hulking Soviet-era ship’s hull. Russia bombs Kyiv factory after Moskva warship sinks in Black Sea Russia’s defence ministry has not confirmed that version of events.

Two developments in Calgary’s southwest have community members speaking out as the demand for housing sees a shift in the city. Adam MacVicar reports.

Ukrainians fleeing Russian aggression.The roughly 80 soldiers who took off from Edmonton and another 20 from Trenton, Ont., will offer humanitarian assistance at reception centres throughout Poland, said Maj. Ryan Pridmore, a company commander with 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.

Covid-19 cases in Delhi, the Arvind Kejriwal government has geared up to deal with the situation and has asked all hospitals to be on alert. This development comes following Delhi recording 366 Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours with a positivity rate of nearly 4% - 3.95%. The national capital has been witnessing an uptick in coronavirus cases over the last few days. With this, Delhi's Covid-19 tally has increased to 18,67,572. The death count is at 26,158 with no deaths in a day.

PHILADELPHIA - Authorities say a 3-year-old child was shot in the finger while attempting to horseplay with his older relative Friday night in Southwest Philadelphia.Officers from the Philadelphia Police Department were called to the 1600 block of South 54th Street around 10 p.m. for reports of a shooting. Inspector D.F.

PHILADELPHIA - Pandemic-weary restaurant owners in Philadelphia are wondering how the city's reintroduction of the indoor mask mandate will impact business. Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole on Monday announced that Philadelphia will bring back its indoor mask mandate on Apr.

PHILADELPHIA - Members of Philadelphia's Jewish community gathered Friday to recognize Passover with a special seder in Society Hill to reflect on Jewish people trapped in Ukraine. Rabbi Menachem Schmidt hosted Seder dinner at B’nai Abraham Chabad Friday night as part of the "Fill an extra Seder seat" campaign to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. "The idea is to open it up to anybody who wants to come and celebrate the holiday," Schmidt said. "We have to take a stand to make sure we are doing everything we can to bring goodness into the world, to make the world a better place, to help people who are in need."Passover is the celebration of the emancipation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt.  At Seder, the story is retold with food, wine and reflection. Amid ongoing war in Ukraine and the worsening humanitarian crisis, Rabbi Schmidt said this Passover is different.

OXFORD CIRCLE - Another violent week ends in Philadelphia, with at least five people killed and nearly two dozen hurt over the past couple of days. The shootings have left community members searching for answers.A peace rally was held Friday evening for a local activist recently shot during a carjacking.

Rumer Willis showed off her vertiginous legs and taut midriff while stepping out for a spot of shopping in Los Angeles this week.The 33-year-old daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore was spotted out and about in a tiny pair of shorts for her latest outing.She could be spotted pushing a shopping cart into a location of the upscale health food supermarket chain Erewhon. Off she goes:Rumer Willis showed off her vertiginous legs and taut midriff while stepping out for a spot of shopping in Los Angeles this weekRumer teamed the shorts with clinging white crop top and sneakers, accessorizing with a snakeskin stitch handbag.Warding off the California rays with a pair of large sunglasses, she let her fiery red curls down and wore a bit of fringe.

Today we are reporting 13,636 community cases (7,763 on Friday and 5,748 today), and 30 deaths (20 on Friday and 10 today) over the past two days since our last COVID-19 update on Thursday. There are 500 people in hospital today. There were 502 people in hospital yesterday.

Tesla is recalling nearly 595,000 vehicles, most for a second time, to turn off a "Boombox" feature that can obscure the sound of a federally mandated pedestrian warning noise electric vehicles are required to emit at low speeds at specified frequencies.In February, Tesla issued a recall for 579,000 vehicles and put out an over-the-air firmware update that disabled the "Boombox" function when the cars were shifted to drive, reverse or neutral. The new recall covers the 2020-2022 Model Y, X, and S, as well as the 2017- 2022 Model 3. A new over-the-air firmware update will disable the "Boombox" function when the cars are shifted to drive, reverse or neutral, including when the "summon" or "smart summon" feature is in use. FILE - Low-angle view of the facade of Tesla Motors dealership with logo and sign in Pleasanton, California, July 23, 2018.

FILE - Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the Invictus Games Friends and Family reception at Zuiderpark on April 15, 2022 in The Hague, Netherlands. (Karwai Tang/WireImage)LONDON - Prince Harry and his wife Meghan on Friday made their first public appearance in Europe since they gave up formal royal roles and moved to the U.S.

Delhi recorded 366 Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours with a positivity rate of nearly four per cent (3.95%). The national capital has been witnessing an uptick in coronavirus cases over the last few days. With this, Delhi's Covid-19 tally has increased to 18,67,572. The death count is at 26,158 with no deaths in a day.