Tougher lockdown measures have been introduced in parts of northern England after a rise in the rate of novel coronavirus transmission, raising concerns over a second wave.
Britain reported its highest number of new COVID-19 infections in more than a month on Thursday, as ministers warned more quarantine restrictions were possible.
Around 4 million people were ordered not to mix with other households in Greater Manchester, the biggest city in northern England, parts of West Yorkshire and East Lancashire, though they can still go to work.
Those breaking the rules will face a fine of 100 pounds.
"The problem with this virus is that it thrives on the social contact which makes life worth living," Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky. "I totally understand the human impact of this but unfortunately that is how the virus passes on."
Asked by the BBC if the UK was now entering a second wave, Hancock said: "It is not yet and we are absolutely determined to take the action that is needed."
The measures were introduced hastily at the start of Eid al-Adha.
The United States' war in Iran has cost $29 billion so far, a senior Pentagon official said on Tuesday, an increase of $4 billion from an estimate provided late last month.
Chinese emperors once prayed for bumper crops under the blue-tiled, triple-eaved roof of Beijing's Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, in sacred rites affirming their mandate to rule.
Hopes for a peace deal on Iran faded on Tuesday after Donald Trump said a ceasefire with Iran was "on life support" as Tehran rejected a US proposal to end the conflict.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer defied calls to resign on Tuesday, telling ministers he would "get on with governing" despite a "destabilising" 48 hours of growing calls to set out a timetable for his departure after an election drubbing.
Israel's parliament passed a law late on Monday establishing a military tribunal to try hundreds of Palestinians who took part in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, a step lawmakers said would help heal national trauma.
The UAE has strongly condemned the infiltration of Kuwait’s Bubiyan Island by members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to carry out hostile acts.
Dubai's private schools will get a nine-day break after Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced that Eid Al Adha holidays will begin on Monday, May 25, and end on Friday, May 29.