Despite COVID, Christmas in Bethlehem brings back joy in troubling times

With China scrapping its strict COVID restrictions, several countries have introduced mandatory testing on travelers from China. Italy is calling for EU-wide measures.

Many people in China are excited about traveling abroad as COVID restrictions are eased and borders are set to reopen on January 8. Others remain cautious, with more countries imposing restrictions for Chinese visitors.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has offered China help to deal with the recent rise in coronavirus infections. Her offer comes despite persistent intrusions by Chinese warplanes in Taiwan's air defense identification zone.

The inter-ministerial watchdog set up to monitor and fight against sects in France has released its latest findings on everything from online coaches to conspiracists, neo-Shamans and would-be healers. The alarming report from MIVILUDES states that since 2020 – and especially since the coronavirus pandemic – such movements are on the rise and are spreading worrying quantities of misinformation when it comes to healthcare.

As China eases its zero-Covid policy amidst international fears of a new wave, a report by an anglophone journalist in China from late December is being used online as "proof" that the coronavirus figures in Shanghai are hardly cause for concern. But is all as it seems? We take a closer look in this edition with Vedika Bahl.

The "overwhelming majority" of EU nations want passengers arriving from China to be tested for COVID-19. China has called new testing rules "unacceptable" after the country opens up following years of strict lockdowns.

As China eases its zero-Covid policy amidst international fears of a new wave, a report by an anglophone journalist in China from late December is being used online as "proof" that the coronavirus figures in Shanghai are hardly cause for concern. But is all as it seems? We take a closer look in this edition with Vedika Bahl.

Amid China's skyrocketing COVID case numbers, India has been preparing for a possible similar scenario. Authorities are keeping an eye on the possible emergence of new variants.

Europe has been criticized for its patchwork approach to arrivals from China amidst a spike in COVID-19 infections. Only some countries have introduced travel restrictions for Chinese arrivals.

Germany's health minister said Berlin would be following an EU recommendation that member states demand travelers from China provide proof of a recent negative rapid COVID test.

In China, there are fears not just of a Covid wave but maybe a tsunami. Funeral parlours are overwhelmed and hospitals are packed with elderly patients on respirators. This comes after the lifting of China's zero-Covid restrictions following protests. The World Health Organization, meanwhile, is pointing the finger, saying China's official virus data is being under-reported.

Beijing has started retaliatory moves against countries which have imposed restrictions on Chinese travelers, with Japan also reportedly targeted.