A new strain of COVID-19 has been discovered in South Africa named Omicron. The World Health Organization has recognized this strain as a variant of concern. The United States as well as the European Union have imposed travel restrictions to travel from South Africa and seven other countries. There has been one case confirmed in Belgium and several from Botswana, Hong Kong and Israel.
As of late 23 November, multiple unexploded WWII bombs were discovered near Westfalenpark. Defusal operations are underway leading to residents and businesses being evacuated. As a result of the operations, the B1 road will be closed along B54 and Märkische Straße for the majority of 24 November. Additionally, metro lines U41, U45, U47, and U49 were affected.
London’s underground tube workers will host multiple 24- hour strikes to oppose unfair demands by management. Night shift workers will no longer receive a pay increase while day shift workers will be required to work night shifts. Central and Victoria lines will be affected on 27 November and 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 December. While all-night tube lines will be affected on 26 November and 18 December. Strikes are set to begin at 4:30 local time.
Individuals associated with the Irish Truckers & Haulage Association Against Fuel Prices will protest nationwide on 24 November. They have called for roadblocks in major cities like Dublin to protest rising fuel and operating costs.
On 18 November, a state of emergency was declared for British Columbia due to extreme flooding. Reports indicate at least one casualty from weather-caused mud and landslides while 18,000 people have been displaced. Major roadways have been closed off including Highway 99 near Lillooet, Interstate Five on the US-Canada border, and Highway Seven in Agassiz. Emergency operations are currently ongoing.
United Kingdom authorities have determined the recent explosion outside the women’s hospital on 14 November as a terrorist attack. Authorities have raised the security threat level to severe, meaning another attack is highly probable. Four suspects are currently in custody for the first attack. It is advised to carry identification at all times.
On 17 November, large demonstrations are scheduled in Athens and Thessaloniki, Greece. The event is anticipated to have between 10,000-20,000 participates and will begin at 16:00 local time, however, roadblocks will begin at 13:00. Demonstrations will begin at Athens Polytechnic University in Athens and Venizelos Statue in Thessaloniki to commemorate the student uprising, which led to the overthrow of military dictatorship in the 1970s.
From 14 November at 06:00 local time to 19 November at 01:00 local time, bus workers for Arriva Cymru will stage a work stoppage. The strike is union-organized demanding the increase of wages and will affect multiple cities including Amlwch, Bangor, Hawarden (Chester), Llandudno, Rhyl, and Wrexham.
On 12 November, airport staff at the Rome’s Fiumicino and Ciampino airports will go on a 4-hour strike between the hours of 10:00 -14:00 local time. The strike has been planned to demand better workplace conditions and the renewal of employee contracts.
Power will be limited across South Africa beginning 8 November to 13 November, this is due to lack of power production and the limited capacity to refill emergency supplies. The electricity company will reduce load shedding due to the high demand for power maintenance. It is advised to only consume bottled water due to the risk of contracting waterborne disease without power for water filtration.