Don’t ‘snog’ strangers under the mistletoe, says minister

People should not “snog” anyone they do not know over Christmas to reduce the spread of Covid, government minister Therese Coffey has said. The Work and Pensions Secretary said people should enjoy Christmas but added: “I don’t think there should be much snogging under the mistletoe.” However, she insisted the government was working hard so we can all enjoy a “knees-up” over the festive season.

‘Outrageous events’ that could rock markets next year

Facebook will suffer a mass exodus of users, medical breakthroughs will extend life expectancy by 25 years and US inflation will reach 15%, according to a report of “outrageous” predictions for 2022. Saxo Bank, a Danish financial services firm, also predicted that policymakers will turn their back on climate change and welcome fossil fuels. The Telegraph said the “unexpected events” would “rock investors but also provide money making opportunities”.

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Surgeon fined for amputating wrong leg

An Austrian court has fined a surgeon for amputating the wrong leg of an elderly patient. The surgeon insisted her actions were down to “human error”, but the judge found her guilty of gross negligence and fined her €2,700, with half the fee suspended. The surgeon only noticed the mistake two days after carrying out the surgery.