The designation came as President Biden sought to boost natural gas supplies to Europe and reassure allies they would not face shortages if a war between Ukraine and Russia breaks out. Qatar is a major natural gas producer.

Sajid Javid, the British health secretary, said the mandate, which requires National Health Service workers to be fully vaccinated by April 1, might not be 'proportionate' to the threat posed by Omicron.

The parents of Ahmaud Arbery criticized an attempt by the Justice Department to strike plea deals with two of the three men who face federal hate crime charges for his killing. A judge rejected the agreements.

Carrie Lam, the Hong Kong chief executive, announced the resignation of the home affairs secretary Caspar Tsui after he attended a birthday party unmasked amid a surge in coronavirus infections.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada announced he had tested positive after being exposed to the coronavirus a week earlier. Mr. Trudeau also criticized the behavior of protesters who rallied in Ottawa to oppose vaccine mandates.

The redacted report described heavy workplace drinking at parties that breached pandemic lockdown rules. Members of Parliament, including fellow Conservatives, grilled the British prime minister for answers.

The meeting of the Security Council was requested by the United States in response to Russia's buildup of military forces along Ukraine's borders.

Mayor Eric Adams of New York City said that oral antiviral pills would be made available for free, same-day at-home delivery to New Yorkers who test positive for the virus and are at higher risk for severe illness.

Gov. Charlie Baker of Massachusetts joins public safety and transportation officials in providing details on the storm.

Snow blanketed parts of New Jersey to Connecticut and other areas across the Northeast on Saturday.