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BBC news, I'm John Shane.

Cases of new Omicron strain of the coronavirus are being detected across Europe. Germany and Britain had each confirmed two cases and Italy, one. The spread has prompted the country worldwide to heighten vigilance over the variants. Britain is tightening some coronavirus restrictions with PCR tests required for people entering the country and the reintroduction of rules on wearing face masks on public transport and in shops.

Germany's first confirmed cases were detected in the southern region of Bavaria people who returned this week from South Africa. Doctors there say the new 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 imposed travel restrictions on South Africa.

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

Police in Iran said they detained almost 70 people on Friday during a protest against water shortage in Isfahan. An Iranian human rights organization put the figure at almost a double there, saying 120 protesters were detained as security forces trying to end more than a week of unrest.

Police have fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators in Burkina Faso as they protested against the failure of the authorities to contain a surge in Islamist violence. There is growing anger against both the government and French soldiers who are supporting the Burkinabé army.

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

BBC news.