Coronavirus: Pope of vaccine and universities for ‘crazy question’

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak this Wednesday night. We have another update for you on Thursday morning.

Pope demands access to vaccine for the poor

Pope Francis has said that the world’s poorest people should have access to a coronavirus vaccine if one becomes available. “How sad it would be if access to a Covid-19 vaccine was made a priority for the rich. It would be sad if the vaccine became the property of such a nation and not universal for everyone,” the pope said during his weekly general audience from the Vatican. Teams around the world are working to develop a vaccine that will be effective against Covid-19.

2. Will masks be mandatory in offices?

France is set to make face coverings mandatory in most workplaces, with the rules likely to apply in all shared spaces in offices and factories. But Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said the UK is not looking to follow suit. “We are constantly looking at the scientific advice and the answer here is that we are not currently considering doing this,” he said. Face coverings are currently required in a number of indoor establishments in the United Kingdom. Find out more about the rules here.

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3. Universities for ‘crazy question’

Following the government’s U-turn on how A levels were assessed, thousands of students who thought they had missed their first choice of university may now have the degrees to pursue. So how does this affect universities? “The demand from students has gone crazy,” says Emma Reay, director of admissions at Newcastle University. She said offers to students will be honored, but they may have to consider coming a year later.

4. Aberdeen lockdown remains

Aberdeen’s lockdown has been extended for another week, Nicola Sturgeon has announced. The Prime Minister of Scotland said although the refurbishment had an impact, it was still “not yet safe” to lift the restrictions. A spike in Covid-19 cases linked to bars and nightlife in the city led to pubs and restaurants being closed two weeks ago and restrictions being placed on travel and visits to other households.

5. Eye-make sales booming

Now that masks are an indispensable part of our daily lives, it seems that people are trying to make a big impression with what asset to look over – their eyes. According to NPD analysts, eye makeup has taken up a larger share of sales of prestigious cosmetics during and after lockdown. And interestingly, with lips now often hidden behind a mask, makeup sales in that area take up a smaller portion of the expense. Read more about how the pandemic has affected makeup and fashion sales.

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