Herald section
The latest health reporting from The Belfast Herald.
Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin announces a non-working week from October 28 until November 7 in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Only firms that serve essential goods and the city infrastructure would be allowed to operate.
Russia reported a record 36,339 new COVID-19 cases and 1,030 deaths in 24 hours, raising the national total to 8.13 million cases and 227,389 deaths.
Saudi Arabia has begun administering booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals over 18 who received their second dose at least six months prior.
The UK government has signed agreements to secure 480,000 courses of Molnupiravir from Merck Sharp and Dohme and 250,000 courses of Ritonavir from Pfizer, pending regulatory approval. Both treatments are intended for at-risk individuals with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms.
The FDA authorized booster doses for Moderna and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines, permitting recipients to choose a different vaccine for their booster, including mixed combinations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin approves the cabinet proposal for non-working days for employees from October 31 until November 7 amid a persistent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths.
Serbia introduces mandatory COVID-19 health passes for indoor cafés and restaurants starting 23 October at 10:00 p.m., following government approval and regulatory planning.