McConnell Seeks End to Emergency; BMO Offices Back: Virus Update

U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said it’s “time for the state of emergency to wind down” after almost two years.

Europe accelerated steps to roll back Covid-19 curbs after efforts to control the omicron variant proved largely futile. Italy will drop restrictions for vaccinated people even in high-risk areas, and Finland will lift limits on gatherings and ease curbs on restaurants and bars. Switzerland scrapped the obligation to work from home. In Canada, the Bank of Montreal plans to bring staff back to offices.