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BBC News I’m John Shea.

Cases of new omicron strain of the coronavirus are being detected across Europe. Germany and Britain have each confirmed two cases and Italy one. The spread has prompted countries worldwide to heighten vigilance over the variant. Britain is tightening some coronavirus restrictions with PCR test required for people entering the country and reintroduction the rules on wearing face masks on public transport and in shops. Germany’s first confirmed case was detected in the southern region of * in people who returned this week from South Africa. Doctors there say the variant so far appears to cause only very mild symptoms. The chair of the South African Medical Association accused Britain and other countries of reacting prematurely when they impose travel restriction on South Africa.   

Three managers of a Russian coal mine that suffered deadly explosion on Thursday have been remanded in custody accused of safety violations. 51 minors and rescuers have died at the * mine in Siberia.   

Police in Iran say they have detained almost 70 people on Friday during a protest against water shortages in *. An Iranian human rights organization put the figure at almost double that saying 120 protesters were detained as security forces tried to end more than a week of unrest.   

Police have fired teargas to disperse demonstrators in Burkina Faso as they protest against the failure of the authorities to contain surging Islamist violence. There is growing anger against both the government and French soldiers who are supporting the Burkina army.   

And head of the women’s Tennis association says he believes the Chinese star Peng Shuai who has accused the top communist party official of sexual assault is still not able to communicate freely. Steve Simon says he received replies to two emails but it’s clear he says that her response’s been influenced by others.

BBC News.