It's estimated that infections from the Omicron variant take up 80% of COVID-19 cases in London, the UK. (Photo: AFP)

French authorities have proposed ID checks at restaurants and bars to avoid fake health pass usage since they detected several cases of health pass fraud this summer. The French Ministry of Labour has called on companies to apply work-from-home for 3-4 days a week when the holidays end. They will also strengthen COVID-19 prevention and control supervision at the workplace.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced the reapplication of restrictions such as wearing masks and working from home. The British government shortened the mandatory COVID-19 self-isolation period in England on Wednesday from 10 days to seven days for those who get negative lateral flow tests for two consecutive days. 

Starting next week, Switzerland, Finland, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Latvia, Italy, Greece, and Austria will request fully vaccinated travellers from Europe submit negative test results.