The government is putting plans in place to create quarantine hotels for visitors entering the UK.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told press on Monday (January 25) that ministers were “actively working” on creating accommodation in which travellers would self-isolate before entering the country.
Quarantine hotels are already in place in other countries including Australia and New Zealand – and Johnson has said that something similar could soon be introduced in Britain.
Since January 18, passengers entering the UK have been required to show proof of a negative test result or be stopped from boarding.
Travel corridors have also been closed and will remain so until at least mid-February – meaning all UK visitors are required to self-isolate for 10 days.
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However, under new rules, some passengers could be asked to quarantine in hotels.
The specifics are still being considered, but if the UK system works in a similar way to other countries then people would be expected to pay for their hotel stay.
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The Prime Minister said the move is being considered in a bid to prevent a new “vaccine-busting variant coming in”.
77 cases of the South African variant have already been identified in Britain – which have been linked to travel.
But Health Secretary Matt Hancock claimed he was more fearful of variants that have not yet been found.
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“The new variant I really worry about is the one that is out there that hasn’t been spotted,” he said on Sunday.
As of January 25, over 5.7 million people in Britain have received their first vaccine dose – with more than 441,000 getting their second jab.
News
Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.