After weeks of speculation, the UK has decided to add France to its quarantine list from Saturday.
Travel corridors between the Netherlands, Monaco, Aruba, Caicos, Malta and Turks will also close.
From this weekend, passengers travelling back from any of these places will need to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Britain.
The new rules come into force at 04:00 BST on 15 August.
£1,000 fines can be distributed to anyone who does not follow instructions to quarantine.
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As many as half a million Brits are expected to be holidaying or staying over in France at the present time.
The incoming quarantine is likely to prompt long queues at the airports as nationals rush to get back before 4am on Saturday.
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France claimed the UK’s decision would mean ‘reciprocal’ measures.
Transport Secretary Grant Schapps has been closing travel corridors to various parts of the world over the past few weeks, as several nations experience a coronavirus resurgence.
“We’ve worked so hard to keep our numbers down here,” said Schapps.
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“We can’t afford to re-import those cases from elsewhere.”
Yesterday, France reported its highest daily increase in confirmed cases since May – the month when their lockdown was lifted.
COVID has also reared its head in Holland, with the number of positive tests at their highest level since April.
The closure of these travel corridors has been rumoured for more than a week, and Boris Johnson has suggested that more could follow if the numbers dictate.
The Prime Minister had spoken of being ‘ruthless’ when it comes to travel regulations, with the UK battling to stop its own rise in infections.
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The 7-day moving average for positive tests has gone back up above 800 per day.
There have been more than 313,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Britain since the pandemic began.
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A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”