Daily roundupMonday's key coronavirus developments from Luxembourg and abroad

Starting with Luxembourg

• The latest figures from Luxembourg show that 359 new cases of coronavirus were discovered over the last 72 hours.

• A petition arguing in favour of free PCR tests has surpassed 4,500 signatures, meaning it must be debated in the Chamber.

And abroad

• The EU’s medicines watchdog said Monday it had started a review of an oral Covid medication from the US pharmaceutical firm Merck, raising hopes for an easy-to-administer treatment to reduce serious or deadly cases.

• Tens of thousands of people in northern Chinawere placed under strict stay-at-home orders on Monday as authorities sought to stamp out a growing Covid outbreak in the run-up to the Beijing Winter Olympics.

• Stocks in Scandinavian airline SAS tumbled on Monday after its chief executive said the company was fighting for its survival and must cut costs.

• Unvaccinated players will be allowed to compete at the Australian Open but must do 14 days in quarantine, according to a leaked WTA email Monday, although a government official insisted the matter was “not settled”.

• A pass is required in Bulgaria as of today to enter shopping malls, restaurants and fitness centres. There is an exception for banks, grocery stores and pharmacies. Meanwhile, Slovakia is closing restaurants and bars tonight to curb rising infections.