TOP STORIES

• Vaccine producer Moderna said its jab is 93 percent effective for at least six months, with a second dose taken. The number is the same as in initial trials, but it does not account for the double-dose vaccine's effectiveness against the dominant Delta variant. 

• Staff at Barcelona's Hospital del Mar have reported a new surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations, mainly of young and unvaccinated people, which is close to overwhelming the local healthcare system. "The situation is critical, it is more like the first wave, and we are overwhelmed," said ICU supervisor, Desiree Ruiz.

• Italy's government has ruled that teachers must have a vaccine or immunity "green pass" before they can return to classrooms. The same pass will be required for everyone on intercity or international transport, including buses and ships. The digital or paper certificate shows negative tests and vaccine records. 

• Supermarkets in the UK are offering cash bonuses to truck drivers as the pandemic and Brexit leave employers searching for staff, leaving shelves increasingly empty. The haulage industry said the government should act now before delays are magnified in the pre-Christmas rush. 

• The UK government launched a $1 billion insurance scheme for live event organizers to cover the risk of COVID-19 cancelations as the country opens up – but cases remain steady, reportedly due to a lack of young people taking vaccines. 

• Tokyo Olympics organizers reported 29 new Games-related COVID-19 cases on Friday. The total since July 1 is now 382. No athletes were among the latest positive results. 

• Three CNN employees have been "terminated" for violating the network's COVID-19 vaccination policy, according to a company memo shared by the publisher's own media reporter. CEO Jeff Zucker said the three had all come to CNN offices, or otherwise worked close to colleagues, which is against the firm's apparent "zero-tolerance policy" on unvaccinated employees returning to in-person work. 

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AROUND EUROPE

Ross Cullen in Paris

France's Constitutional Council approved the extension of the COVID-19 health pass. From August 9, it will be mandatory at cafes, bars and restaurants. The health pass will also be compulsory to access hospitals and care homes along with long-distance trains, planes and coaches.

Currently it is only in force at theaters, museums and other cultural places, including sporting venues like swimming pools. The CGT union says the move is "another coup against the rights of workers" but President Macron said "personal liberty is also a responsibility not to infect other people" with the disease. 

The pass shows digital or paper proof that you have either been fully vaccinated, you have recently had a negative PCR test, or you have had COVID-19 recently and are fully recovered. More nationwide demonstrations are expected on Saturday August 7 after the decision by the top constitutional body in France.

Toni Waterman in Brussels

An investigation is underway into the death of seven residents of a care home in Zanventem who died after being infected with COVID-19. All of the deceased were fully vaccinated, as were all of the staff, except one. According to local media, some of the patients were in poor health, but others were not. In total, 20 residents were found to be infected starting in mid-July. 

Fresh data on Friday showed that 76 percent of the adult population in Belgium has now been fully vaccinated, while nearly 84 percent has received at least one dose. Still, new infections continue to climb higher, up 10 percent in the past week to an average of 1,623 a day. Hospital admissions are also broaching 40 a day, with an average of nearly four deaths. 

Nicole Johnston in London 

Ahead of students returning to schools and universities in September, the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommended the government vaccinate 16- and 17-year-olds. 

Meanwhile night-time industries are joining efforts to convince young people to be vaccinated. Venues including the Ministry of Sound and Heaven nightclubs have announced they will share vaccine messages and host vaccine events. From September, people will be required to have had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to enter large indoors events.

FROM OUR GLOBAL COLLEAGUES

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CGTN Europe has been providing in-depth coverage of the novel coronavirus story as it has unfolded.