Returning Brits begin quarantine while Russia rolls out vaccine

British travelers returning home from parts of Europe and beyond began quarantine under new restrictions on Aug. 15, while Russia said it had produced the first batch of its controversial coronavirus vaccine.    

Latin America and the Caribbean, the pandemic's current epicenter, surpassed six million infections, even as Rio de Janeiro in hard-hit Brazil reopened major tourist sites, including the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.    

"The reopening of the Christ [monument] symbolizes the reopening of Brazil to tourism," Environment Minister Ricardo Salles said at a ceremony at the base of the statue, where visitors will have to wear masks and socially distance.    

Latin America claims nearly one-third of the 760,000 coronavirus deaths worldwide.     

The United States is the worst-affected country with more than a quarter of the world's 21 million cases, as well as nearly 170,000 deaths. Brazil follows with 3.3 million cases and 107,000 deaths.    

The UK removed France, the Netherlands, Malta and three other countries from its list of places exempt from self-isolation rules, as a second wave of virus infections threatens more disruption and economic chaos in Europe.    

The move, announced late Thursday, sparked a 36-hour scramble for plane, train and ferry tickets among some Britons desperate to get back home before the 4:00 am (0300 GMT) rule change.   

 All arrivals from the blacklisted states after the deadline must self-quarantine for 14 days, with the measure already in place for people coming from several other countries including Spain and Belgium.     

Eurotunnel reported roaring business.    

"The Le Shuttle Passenger Service carried almost 30 percent more leisure traffic yesterday than...

Continue reading on: