The minimum COVID-19 self-isolation in England will be cut to five days from seven if someone tests negative twice.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said this on Thursday, a move that could reduce staffing disruption in businesses and infrastructure.
"We've made the decision to reduce the minimum self-isolation period to five full days in England," Javid told parliament.
"From Monday, people can test twice before they go, leaving isolation at the start of day six," he added.
Canadian police identify suspect in mass school shooting
The suspect in a deadly school shooting in western Canada has been identified as an 18-year-old woman with mental health issues who killed her mother and stepbrother before attacking her former school.
India backs $40 billion military upgrade with more fighter jets
India on Thursday gave initial clearance for a 3.6-trillion-rupee ($40 billion) boost to the country's armed forces, including procurement of more Rafale fighter jets for the air force and Boeing P-8I reconnaissance aircraft for the navy.
Russia fully blocks WhatsApp, talks up state-backed alternative
US messenger app WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, has been completely blocked in Russia for failing to comply with local law, the Kremlin said on Thursday, suggesting Russians turn to a state-backed "national messenger" instead.
Russian air attack knocks out power, heat to thousands of Ukrainians
Russia pounded Ukraine with drones and ballistic missiles overnight on Thursday, further battering its energy system and leaving tens of thousands in the capital Kyiv and the cities of Dnipro and Odesa without heat, power and water, officials said.
Bangladesh votes in landmark election after Gen Z uprising
Bangladeshis lined up outside polling booths on Thursday as voting began in a pivotal election for the country after the 2024 ouster of long‑time premier Sheikh Hasina in a Gen Z‑driven uprising.
The UAE’s Ministry of Education has announced that public school students will switch to remote learning on Fridays during the holy month of Ramadan, marking the second consecutive year of the initiative.
The UAE has dispatched a new aid ship to the Gaza Strip as part of its ongoing humanitarian efforts to support the Palestinian people, coinciding with the start of the holy month of Ramadan.
The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has confirmed that private sector employees will have their working days reduced by two hours during the holy month of Ramadan.
