First omicron-related death reported in UK
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visits Stow Health Vaccination center, in Westminster, London, Dec. 13, 2021.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the UK’s first reported death from the omicron variant of the coronavirus and said restrictions were in place to help mitigate an upcoming tidal wave of cases. Now, Brits are lining up for booster shots and bracing for new restrictions during the holiday season. Also, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has taken a hard line against his political opponents. That’s led members of the Belarus Free Theater to conclude that they need to leave the country. Plus, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken dropped a playlist on Spotify for his Southeast Asia trip to Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar. It includes a rock ballad called “Terlalu Manis,” or “Too Sweet,” by Slank, one of the most popular Indonesian rock bands ever.
There is still time to support The World before our fundraising drive ends on Dec. 31. Your gift ensures that all our coverage on the air, on the web, and via the podcast remains free and accessible to everyone. With a donation of $130 (or $11/month), host Marco Werman will personally thank you on the podcast! Learn more and make your gift today.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. If you’ve been thinking about making a donation, this is the best time to do it. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. All donations between now and June 30 will be matched 2:1. Will you help keep our newsroom on strong footing by giving to The World?