Italy under virus curbs again as Dutch, Irish stop AstraZeneca shots

Coronavirus restrictions were reimposed across much of Italy on March 15, while Ireland and the Netherlands became the latest countries to suspend AstraZeneca's COVID-19 shots over blood clot fears despite the firm and the WHO insisting there is no risk.

More than 350 million vaccine doses have been administered globally so far, and the AstraZeneca shot - among the cheapest available - is crucial to roll-outs in poorer parts of the world.

Despite immunization programs gathering pace, surges in infections remain a threat and Italian authorities reimposed restrictions on three-quarters of the country until April 6 to suppress an outbreak fuelled by the variant first detected in Britain.

Health Minister Roberto Speranza said on March 14 the government hoped these strict measures and ongoing vaccinations would allow a relaxation of curbs later.

"Each dose of vaccine injected is a step in the direction of the way out of the crisis," he added.

Schools, restaurants, shops and museums will close, including in Rome and Milan, with residents told to stay home except for work, health or other essential reasons.

And while France was hoping to avoid another national lockdown, it was facing a hospital crisis with intensive care beds in the Paris region running out.

The coronavirus has killed more than 2.6 million people around the world, with much of humanity going through varying levels of COVID-19 restrictions.

People have been growing weary of the economically painful curbs, however.

The Netherlands - under tight restrictions including an overnight curfew - was set to begin three days of voting on March 15 in a popularity test of the government's coronavirus policies.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte was set to...