Surge in France ++ Vaccine skeptics in UK ++ Slow rollout in India | COVID-19 Update

France will close down schools for three weeks to fight a rapid spread in coronavirus cases. President Emmanuel Macron warned that the country risks losing control of the pandemic if action is not taken. France's parliament is currently debating the new measures. These include a nationwide curfew and a one month ban on domestic travel. The infection rate is surging in France, with almost 60,000 new cases reported in the past day.

In the UK, more than 30 million people have received their first COVID-19 vaccine - but not everyone is eager to roll up their sleeves. Skepticism is especially widespread among minorities, even though they've been harder hit by the virus. Racial inequalities have led to deep mistrust between these minority groups and institutions. DW's Birgit Maas reports from a district in north London where she met one man who's part of the campaign to fight vaccine skepticism.

India has expanded its vaccination drive to include everyone above 45 years of age. Already, health workers have administered more than 64 million doses, yet the high numbers are only a small portion of the country's population. A recent surge in new infections has raised questions about why India is lagging behind on its vaccination goals.

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