FLU / VACCINATION - Luxembourg’s national laboratory registered “high epidemic activity” for the common flu virus over the past week, with nearly 15% of consultations related to flu symptoms. And so, experts are now recommending people vaccinate themselves against the flu. The jab can be given alongside coronavirus vaccines.
CGDIS / EMERGENCY SERVICES - The CGDIS (the Grand-Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps) has 96 deployment centres to cover the entire country with the largest one being the new centre in Cloche d’Or, in Gasperich. The one in Mamer is also significant with 90 firefighters working there, of which 17 are professionals. And a reminder to all, that from 1 January it becomes mandatory to have a smoke detector installed in your home.
COVID / EU-CHINA SCREENING - The EU’s disease agency has said the screening of travellers from China for Covid-19 would be “unjustified” after Italy urged the rest of the EU to follow its lead and ensure Chinese arrivals were tested, and quarantined if necessary.
The US, Japan, Taiwan and India also recently announced mandatory testing, as China deals with a Covid surge. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said the surge was “not expected to impact” the EU. Arrivals tested in Italy showed no signs of new mutations.
ISRAEL / NETANYAHU - Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as prime minister Thursday after a stint in opposition, heading what analysts call the most right-wing government in the country’s history. Netanyahu, who is 73, is fighting corruption charges in court, and has already served as premier longer than anyone in Israeli history, leading the country from 1996-1999 and 2009-2021. Parliament voted to approve his government and elected former minister Amir Ohana as the Knesset’s first openly gay speaker.
BENEDICT XVI - Former pope Benedict XVI (16th) is “lucid and alert” and his condition remains serious but stable, the Vatican said on Thursday, the day after revealing the 95-year-old’s health had deteriorated. Pope Francis had sparked alarm on Wednesday by revealing at his general audience that his predecessor, was “very ill”.
VIVIANNE WESTWOOD - British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood has died aged 81. Westwood came to prominence on the fashion scene in the 1970s and went on to dress some of the biggest names in fashion. She was known as a staunch activist and brought causes such as climate change, to the catwalk.
PELE / ‘GOAT’ - Brazilian football legend Pele, arguably the greatest player ever, has died at the age of 82. Named athlete of the century by the International Olympic Committee in 1999, Pele is the only footballer in history to have won three World Cups -- in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
PREMIER LEAGUE WEEKEND - And in the UK, Arsenal will look to finish the year on a high when the Premier League leaders visit Brighton for their final match of 2022 this weekend. And in the race to catch Arsenal, champions Manchester City have no margin for error when they host struggling Everton, while Newcastle aim to extend their hot streak against Leeds.
Look up, there’s clouds. They’re having a get-together to bring you a rainy afternoon.
Morning temperatures starting off at 2°C, rising to a high of 10°C in the afternoon.
That’s it, it’s your last Morning Roundup for 2022. It’s been a pleasure covering the early morning news for you during this holiday season, the incredible Sasha Kehoe returns Monday 2 January on the Sam Steen Show.
