WHO chief disappointed as Covid-19 investigators China mission stalls
From CNN s Steve George in Hong Kong
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus attends a news conference organized by the Geneva Association of United Nations Correspondents amid the Covid-19 pandemic on July 3, 2020 in Geneva. Fabrice Coffrini/Pool/AFP/Getty Images
World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that some members of the international scientific team investigating the origins of Covid-19 were told at the last minute that they did not yet have the necessary permissions to arrive in China including some who were already en route.
Tedros said that some members of that scientific team had already begun their travels from their home countries to China in the 24 hours prior to learning arrangements that had been agreed to between WHO, the Chinese government and countries that the team were to travel through on their way to Wuhan had not been finalize
White House coronavirus coordinator Deborah Birx says she plans to retire
From CNN s Andrea Diaz Doug Mills/Pool/Getty Images
Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the White House coronavirus response, said on Tuesday that she plans to retire, but she s willing to help President-elect Joe Biden s team as needed.
In a tweet shared by reporter Amber Strong from the news site Newsy, Birx said she would serve as a resource to the Biden administration as needed. I will be helpful in any role that people think I can be helpful in, and then I will retire. I will have to say as a civil servant, I will be helpful through a period of time, she said.
Germany extends UK travel ban despite EU recommendation
From CNN’s Sarah Dean and Fred Pleitgen
Germany has extended its travel ban from the UK until January 6 – despite the European Commission on Tuesday recommending member states scrap the ban.
“From December 22nd, 2020 until January 6th, 2021 inclusive, there is a transport ban for travelers from the United Kingdom to Germany, i.e. transport companies are prohibited from transporting travelers to Germany, the updated travel advisory said on Tuesday.
The advisory clarified that a German citizen who wants to enter Germany at the border will not be refused.
“From January 1, 2021, people with residence and right of residence in Germany can be transported again. The federal government must approve the flights individually. The airline will obtain this approval. Travelers do not need individual permits,” the note added.