Coronavirus: Boris Johnson orders new lockdown for England

The omicron variant is driving case numbers in parts of China to levels not seen since coronavirus first emerged. But keeping case numbers at near zero means continued disruptions and lockdowns.

China has imposed a COVID lockdown on half of its largest city and financial capital, Shanghai. Meanwhile, Israeli PM Bennett has tested positive for COVID-19.

More people could later face fines as the probe into gatherings at 10 Downing Street during COVID lockdown continues, police said.

After Shanghai recently reported a new daily record for asymptomatic coronavirus infections, the city is locking down in two stages. It's the biggest step taken in the Chinese metropolis since the Covid-19 pandemic began more than two years ago. But some residents are complaining that the cost of China's strict aggressive zero-Covid strategy has become too great. We take a closer look.

After a 7 percent slump on Monday, oil prices saw further falls in Asian trading on Tuesday, as investors considered the impact of the latest Covid-19 lockdowns on demand for oil. The price of crude has been extremely volatile in recent months. At the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the international benchmark Brent rose to its highest level since 2008. Also today, we report on a protest by ride-hailing drivers in France over high fuel prices.

Even as it said Germany likely passed the peak of omicron infections, the Robert Koch Institute warned coronavirus cases remained high. Despite this, the country is considering relaxing quarantine rules.

China's largest city is testing more than half of its population as it attempts to curb an outbreak of the coronavirus. After more than two years, Italy has ended its state of emergency.

Most people in Germany support the government's coronavirus policies. But a small, yet vocal, minority rejects vaccinations, masks and distancing rules — and denies the existence of the virus. The conflict has changed Germany's social climate.

Lockdown: 'People are really worried in Shanghai'

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Finance Minister Rishi Sunak are to be fined by police for breaking COVID-19 lockdown rules. The leader of the UK's main opposition party has called for both to resign.

The British prime minister insisted he did not knowingly breach pandemic lockdown rules. He is the first modern UK leader to receive a fine for breaking the law.

China's commercial capital reported no new infections outside quarantine areas, fanning hopes that the tide is turning in its pandemic battle. Follow DW for the latest.