Covid: Support for removing NI restrictions and protests continue in NZon February 14, 2022 at 8:00 am

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Monday morning. We’ll have another update for you this evening.

There is support from politicians to relax the remaining coronavirus restrictions in Northern Ireland, which include using Covid passports and wearing face coverings in certain settings. Health Minister Robin Swann wrote to other executive ministers for their views, but any change would need wider approval. Current restrictions are in place until 24 March. Read more here.

As a protest continues in New Zealand against a Covid vaccine mandate, authorities have added Baby Shark to the list of songs they are playing on a loop to annoy protesters and encourage them to disperse. After learning that his 2005 hit You’re Beautiful was being deployed, James Blunt tweeted the country’s police to “give me a shout if this doesn’t work”. Despite the tactics, hundreds of protesters remain outside parliament.

As a key bridge between Canada and the US blocked by demonstrators protesting against a vaccine mandate is cleared, does this mean the end is in sight for the movement? The Freedom Convoy, as it’s been called, has also been causing disruption in Canada’s capital Ottawa.

Many jobs have change as a result of the pandemic, and this coupled with a drive to reducing carbon emissions, should we changing how we work be reviewed? The Future Generations Commission says a four-day working week should be trialled in Wales as it can make staff healthier and happier, and businesses more productive. The Welsh government says it’s considering the progress of pilot schemes in other countries.

Cuba’s first LGBTQ hotel lay empty and unused for two years when the coronavirus pandemic struck. It’s reopened and tourists are arriving, with one saying: “It’s nice to be able to be in a place where you feel welcome and encouraged to be yourself.” But can tourists ignore the country’s poor human rights record? We’ve investigated.

Get a longer daily news briefing from the BBC in your inbox, each weekday morning, by signing up here.

Do you know when you should wear a face covering? We’ve got the answers here, if you’re unsure about the rules.

You can find more information, advice and guides on our coronavirus page.

What questions do you have about coronavirus?

In some cases, your question will be published, displaying your name, age and location as you provide it, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published. Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy.

Use this form to ask your question: