Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes

No COVID pass, no inside loo visit, says Dutch minister

Dutch patrons at cafes are not required to show a so-called "COVID pass" when dining outside on a terrace, but would have to do so for visiting the restroom, the country's health minister said Monday.

Medications

At least 23 Canadian deaths linked to contraceptive

At least 23 Canadian women died and hundreds more may have been harmed taking the world's two most commonly prescribed birth control pills, the country's public broadcaster said Tuesday.

Health

Philip Morris sues Norway over tobacco display ban

Global tobacco giant Philip Morris began a suit Monday against Norway, claiming that the Scandinavian country's ban on the display of cigarettes in stores violates European competition rules.

Health

Hong Kong's next leader to ban mainland babies

Hong Kong's next leader said Tuesday he plans to ban pregnant mainlanders from giving birth in the city and deny their children residency rights, in a bid to ease pressure on local hospitals.

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes

Hong Kong raises bird flu alert level, bans imports

Hong Kong raised its bird flu alert level to "serious" on Tuesday and announced it is to cull 17,000 chickens after three birds tested positive for the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus.