Strictly Come Dancing bosses have banned celebrity entourages from this year’s series

COLOMBO (News 1st); Thousands of Sri Lankan health workers continued their strike action for the fifth consecutive day on Friday (11), despite a court issuing an order against a nurses trade union that is also taking part in the strike.Health workers in Sri Lanka have been staging demonstrations and strikes since November 2021 to draw attention to the issue of salary anomalies.Their major demands include the rectification of salary anomalies, higher allowances, and an increase in overtime rates.Supplementary and paramedical services, nursing services, and professionals from 16 health services including medical laboratory technologists, pharmacists, radiologists, public health inspectors, and family health officers are participating in the indefinite strike.Thousands of poor patients who visited government hospitals were turned away, as a result.A Sri Lankan court on Thursday (10) issued two enjoining orders preventing the strike action by the Government Nursing Officer’s Association from continuing.The Attorney General filed an action against the Government Nursing Officer’s Association and its president Saman Rathnapriya, seeking an enjoining order from the court to immediately suspend the trade union action of the said union.The Attorney General appraised the court of the present deplorable conditions in hospitals due to patient care being severely affected.District Court Judge of Colombo Aruna Aluthge issued two enjoining orders preventing the union from continuing the said trade union strike endangering the lives of the patients.As a result of the strike, over this week the activities at the Colombo General Hospital, Kandy General Hospital, 24 Teaching Hospitals, 26 General Hospitals, 46 Base Hospitals, 410 District

Prince Charles getting Covid again should be "ringing royal alarm bells," according to an expert who warns of some "regal whiplash". The 73-year-old is set to snatch an almost 200-year record by becoming the oldest person to be crowned monarch.

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Withdrawal of restrictions

Boris Johnson ending Covid isolation rules is a "distraction" from the PM's lockdown party scandal, according to a Scots health expert.

SYDNEY :

Charli XCX has said that the criticism she’s received on social media lately has taken a toll on her mental health.The singer-songwriter, who releases her fifth album ‘Crash’ on March 18, issued a statement on Twitter yesterday (February 10) to explain that she’s temporarily stepping back from the platform due to the “negativity” surrounding her current campaign.“I’ve always had a pretty open dialogue with you guys and so I just wanna mention a few things that have been on my mind recently,” Charli began.“I have been feeling like I can’t do anything right at the moment.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The new University of Vavuniya was declared open by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday (11).The University of Vavuniya is the 17th State University in Sri Lanka and was established with effect from the 1st of August 2021 via an Extraordinary Gazette on the 8th of June 2021 that elevated the Vavuniya Campus of the University of Jaffna, to a separate state university in Sri Lanka.The new state university was established for the purpose of providing, promoting, and developing higher education in the branches of learning of Business Studies, Applied Science, and Technology Studies.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of he World Health Organization (WHO), Buti Manamela, Deputy Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology of South Africa, Dr Joe Phaahla, Minister of Health of South Africa and Meryame Kitir, Minister of Development Cooperation and Urban Policy of Belgium today visit a number of public and private sector partners that are collaborating to develop and build WHO’s global mRNA vaccine technology transfer hub in South Africa.

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Protester numbers outside New Zealand's parliament have increased as police scaled back efforts to clear anti-vaccine demonstrators involved in violent clashes a day earlier.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry has warned against the use of fake vaccination cards to avoid being vaccinated against COVID-19.Dr. Anwar Hamdani, attached to the Health Ministry said information on all those who have been vaccinated are with the Health Ministry, and it is a futile attempt to evade being vaccinated.“Getting vaccinated is a social responsibility and therefore everyone must get vaccinated against COVID-19,” he said.At the same time, the Deputy Director-General of Public Health Services Dr.

Despite key party figures expressing support and posing for pictures with protesters, the Conservative Party is joining pleas to end disruptive blockades against COVID restrictions.

Disruptive blockades protesting COVID-19 mandates are escalating in Ontario, prompting more calls for the province to take action. So why has Ontario Premier Doug Ford been mostly absent over the unrest? Eric Sorensen explains the possible strategy behind keeping a low-profile, as concerns grow over potentially politicizing pandemic strategy.

Ottawa police on Thursday provided an update on their ongoing enforcement measures against trucker protests demonstrating against COVID-19 vaccine mandates throughout parts of the city.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a meeting with leaders of opposition parties Thursday evening, where he said he briefed them on the latest developments of the trucker convoy protests and blockades.

Unhappy Olympic athletes are calling out organizers of the Beijing Games with a litany of complaints about everything from COVID-19 protocols to inadequate catering.

Camilla Parker-Bowles has broken her silence after she was handed the future title of 'Queen Consort' by the Queen on the eve of the Platinum Jubilee last weekend.The Duchess of Cornwall, 74, said she was "very, very honoured" and "very touched" to be bestowed the honour by Her Majesty while on a royal visit to Nourish Hub community food centre in West London.She went ahead with the public appearance after testing negative for Covid despite spending the previous evening with husband Prince Charles, who remained in self-isolation after contracting the virus for the second time yesterday (February 10).Charles, who is said not to be experiencing any symptoms of the virus, was forced on Thursday to cancel his visit the Great Hall at Winchester Castle and the unveiling of a statue of Jewish-British historical figure Licoricia of Winchester.It was also revealed that he had seen his mum the Queen two days before testing positive.Describing the situation, Camilla told Willie Hartley Russell, high sheriff for Berkshire: "He’s diagnosed now. Luckily (she’s negative).

Simon Cowell has been forced to pull out of Britain's Got Talent auditions after testing positive for Covid.The ITV entertainment show is back this year after being cancelled in 2021 because of the pandemic and auditions have been under way at the London Palladium.Due to his positive test result, the 62-year-old TV personality could not take his seat at the judge's table. Simon's spokesperson exclusively told Mail Online that the star is currently isolating at his London home after contracting the virus.His spokesperson said: "Simon was unable to attend filming today as he was isolating at home after testing positive for Covid-19." Simon was scheduled to be on the set of the talent competition on Thursday alongside his fellow judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams.A week before testing positive and withdrawing from the audition process, Simon was rushed to hospital after being caught in a horrific e-bike accident near his home in West London.The incident which happened last Thursday night saw Simon fall off his e-bike while reaching speeds of 20mph.This is the second e-bike accident the father-of-one experienced, just 18 months after breaking his back on an e-bike in Los Angeles.

PHILADELPHIA - Bob Saget's shocking cause of death has caused many to wonder how likely it is that an accidental blow to the head can turn fatal.The 65-year-old entertainer and Philadelphia native was found on his hotel bed at the Ritz Carlton in Orlando on Jan. 9.

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COLOMBO (News 1st); A wanted drug traffickers knowns as ‘Abba’ was killed in a shootout with the Police Special Task Force on Thursday (10) night in Egoda Uyana, Moratuwa.The Police Special Task Force told News 1st that a raid was carried out at around 10 PM on Thursday (10) night after receiving a tip-off that a house in Egoda Uyana contained drugs.During the raid, a man had opened fire from inside the house and the Police Special Task Force had returned fire.The Police in a statement said, “One suspect opened fire at an STF Officer with a pistol, and the STF officer returned fire.”In the exchange of fire, a 27-year-old male identified as ‘Abba’ (Thelge Dilan Sameera Peiris) was killed and he is a known associate of a notorious drug trafficker operating from Dubai.One STF member was injured in the incident.Sri Lanka Police said two bullets fired by the suspect had hit the protective vest worn by the STF Officer, and he was rushed to the Panadura Hospital for treatment.Six other people who were inside the house were arrested by the Police Special Task Force.The Office of the Police Spokesperson said that ‘Abba’ had a murder case filed against him, as we as a case over stabbing a woman and causing serious injury.Further, another 31-year-old man was arrested from Moratuwa upon inspecting the residence of another suspect.Police said that this man has a case filed against him for transporting drugs along the expressway.

In this photo illustration, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) logo is seen displayed on an Android mobile phone. WASHINGTON (AP) - The CIA has a secret, undisclosed data repository that includes information collected about Americans, two Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee said Thursday. While neither the agency nor lawmakers would disclose specifics about the data, the senators alleged the CIA had long hidden details about the program from the public and Congress.Sens.

LONDON (AP) - AstraZeneca recorded a big jump in revenue on Thursday as it begins to take a profit from its coronavirus vaccine for the first time.The company recorded full-year revenues of $37.4 billion, an increase of 38% from the year before at constant exchange rates. Part of the boost came from $4 billion in sales of its COVID-19 vaccine, developed with the University of Oxford.Despite rising revenue, AstraZeneca reported a pre-tax loss of $265 million due to costs from its purchase of U.S.

PHILADELPHIA - Authorities say an armed carjacker hopped into a running vehicle with three children inside and later let the kids out and ditched the car. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said the children's mother left the car running on the 5300 block of Willow Street around 6 p.m.

Shaun White of Team United States reacts during the Men's Snowboard Halfpipe Final on day 7 of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at Genting Snow Park on February 11, 2022 in Zhangjiakou, China. BEIJING (AP) - In Shaun White’s farewell performance on Friday, Ayumu Hirano of Japan won an elusive Olympic gold in the halfpipe with a boundary-pushing final run.There was no doubt about the winner after Hirano's electric performance as the last rider to go. His run included an intricate and unprecedented series of flips and spins that pushed a sport obsessed with progression to new heights.

The language of the UCP has seen a significant shift this week as it moves to drop COVID-19 restrictions in the province, with words like “damaging” and “freedom” being used much more often in public communications.

Len Goodman, 76, starred as a Strictly Come Dancing judge for 12 years before quitting the show in 2016.

Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas chatted with the panellists on ITV's Loose Women about the return of the BBC show and her love life.The 59-year-old was grilled by host Ruth Langsford, 60, whether marriage would soon be on the cards.Shirley began dating her 47-year-old actor boyfriend Danny Taylor in 2018.The Strictly favourite revealed she has been holed up at home with her beau following the coronavirus lockdown.It didn't take long for presenter Ruth to quiz Shirley on whether the pair were closer to walking down the aisle.It comes as the panel discussed the topic of postponing their wedding due to the current pandemic.Asking about her potential nuptials, the Loose Women host asked: "Just saying, if you were planning a wedding.

Shirley Ballas, 59, publically displayed her affection to boyfriend Danny Taylor today.The pair shared a kiss while Shirley appeared virtually on Loose Women.

'Strictly Come Dancing' bosses look set to restrict celebrity guests and friends from this year's show.

Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas told the Loose Women panel that she is almost certain the show will go ahead this year.

Shirley Ballas kissed her toyboy live on today's episode of Loose Women.

SHIRLEY Ballas has said that Strictly Come Dancing bosses are considering "distance dancing" to make sure that it goes ahead after lockdown. The 59-year-old star is head judge on the BBC One dance show, and today she insisted that this year's series will not be axed.

Shirley Ballas has suggested that Strictly Come Dancing could return to screens with contestants “distancing dancing” as lockdown measures are eased.

'Strictly Come Dancing' bosses look set to restrict celebrity guests and friends from this year's show.

“Dancing with the Stars” judge Bruno Tonioli is hoping to convince Meghan Markle to compete on an upcoming season. The Duchess of Sussex shocked the world in January when she and Prince Harry revealed plans to step back from their duties as senior members of the royal family and live financially independent of the crown in North America.The duo has since settled down in Los Angeles, which Tonioli believes puts the former “Suits” star in a perfect position to appear on the show.

Meghan Markle, 38, may be making a return to television. At least she will be if Dancing With the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli has any say in it. Ahead of the dance competition’s 15th anniversary, Bruno discussed the show’s future with Extra, while also revealing how they’ll move forward with live shows during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dancing With The Duchess?Dancing With the Stars and Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli has revealed his wish for Meghan Markle to join the ballroom competition series this year in the US, telling Extra's Terri Seymour that the wife of Prince Harry would be a natural.'She'd be great!' Bruno, 64, gushed, and even urged the 38-year-old star to sign-up if she's watching. Dancing with The Duchess? Bruno Tonioli, 64, has invited Meghan Markle to sign up for Dancing With The Stars: 'It would make her look accessible and funny'Bruno continued: 'It'd make her look accessible and funny - it'd be brilliant.

Dancing With The Duchess?Dancing With the Stars and Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli has revealed his wish for Meghan Markle to join the ballroom competition series this year in the US, telling Extra's Terri Seymour that the wife of Prince Harry would be a natural.'She'd be great!' Bruno, 64, gushed, and even urged the 38-year-old star to sign-up if she's watching. Dancing with The Duchess? Bruno Tonioli, 64, has invited Meghan Markle to sign up for Dancing With The Stars: 'It would make her look accessible and funny'Bruno continued: 'It'd make her look accessible and funny - it'd be brilliant.

Dancing With The Duchess?Dancing With the Stars and Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli has revealed his wish for Meghan Markle to join the ballroom competition series this year in the US, telling Extra's Terri Seymour that the wife of Prince Harry would be a natural.'She'd be great!' Bruno, 64, gushed, and even urged the 38-year-old star to sign-up if she's watching. Dancing with The Duchess? Bruno Tonioli, 64, has invited Meghan Markle to sign up for Dancing With The Stars: 'It would make her look accessible and funny'Bruno continued: 'It'd make her look accessible and funny - it'd be brilliant.

Bruno Tonioli has eyed up Megan Markle's next TV appearance, admitting the former actress would be "brilliant" on Dancing With the Stars.

MEGHAN Markle should compete on Dancing With The Stars, judge Bruno Tonioli has said. The star said Prince Harry’s wife would be “great” on the show and it would make her look “accessible”.

STRICTLY Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas confirms she's '99% sure the show will return this year - despite the coronavirus lockdown. The head judge spoke positively about the competition being screened to bring 'glitz and glamour' during the colder months.

While many shows have taken a break from filming due to the coronavirus lockdown, Strictly Come Dancing's head judge Shirley Ballas, 59, has revealed how after speaking to the show's executive producer, she is "99 percent sure" the competition will return later this year.The professional dancer stated it is "imperative" the hit show continues to go ahead this Autumn.Shirley, who was assigned as Strictly's head judge after the departure of legend Len Goodman, has shared the details of her conversation with the bosses.In an interview with HELLO! Magazine, Shirley divulged: "Of course everything changes day-to-day but I have spoken to Strictly's executive producer, and I am 99 percent sure that we will be on screens in one form or another."We

Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse is often left in tears as she commutes to work between countries without her baby.