Herald section
The latest reporting from across the Belfast Herald news desks.
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff tested positive for COVID-19 on 15 March 2022, leading to the cancellation of scheduled appearances and the vice president's decision to avoid risk despite her negative test.
The government will begin vaccinating children aged 5 to 11 against COVID-19 on 31 March, with booster doses for 12- to 17-year-olds also commencing. The move follows approval of the Pfizer vaccine for the younger age group.
Ontario health officials report no deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours for the first time since December 20.
Shanghai implements access restrictions and travel warnings as new COVID-19 cases rise, with officials requiring negative tests for entry and suspending bus services.
China recorded more than 3,100 new local cases of COVID-19, the highest single-day total since the pandemic began, driven by a surge in symptomatic infections across multiple provinces and cities.
China orders a lockdown of Changchun amidst a rise of COVID-19 cases caused by the Omicron variant.
Kenya removed its last remaining COVID-19 restrictions on 11 March 2022, ending bans on large indoor gatherings, mandatory mask wearing, and pre-arrival testing for air travellers as case numbers declined.