Isolation period for people with coronavirus symptoms to be extended
Pockets of new cases have surfaced in recent weeks across the UK, prompting ministers to prolong the quarantine period for those experiencing symptoms in a bid to bring numbers back down.
The self-isolation period for anyone suffering from coronavirus symptoms is expected to be increased from seven to 10 days.
Pockets of new cases have surfaced in recent weeks across the UK, prompting ministers to prolong the quarantine period in a bid to bring numbers back down.
Current rules state that anyone suffering a persistent cough, loss of taste/smell and/or fever should be tested and self-isolate for seven days.
This is expected to be extended to 10 days for people in England.
According to the BBC, it is “unclear” whether Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will follow suit.
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Several regions have been forced to bring in extra measures since lockdown lifted, including Blackburn, Oldham, Wrexham and Staffordshire.
Oldham and Blackburn have warned residents to stay home as much as possible and avoid close contact with others.
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The army have been drafted in to set up extra testing centres in Wrexham.
Outbreaks in Staffordshire has been linked to a pub in Stone – which resulted from around 200 people packing into a beer garden.
England’s Chief Medical Officer, Prof Chris Whitty, is expected to confirm details of the extended isolation period later on today (30 July).
Outbreaks in Europe have also raised discussions of an incoming second wave – although the World Health Organisation have said there is no evidence that COVID-19 will follow a similar pattern to seasonal flus.
Margaret Harris, a WHO spokesperson, suggested that coronavirus could be ‘one big wave’ – which will continue to go ‘up and down’.
“The best thing is to flatten it and turn it into just something lapping at your feet,” she stated.
An increase in cases in Spain has seen the UK Government add the nation to its red list – meaning any arrivals in Britain will now have to quarantine for 14 days.
However, there are ongoing discussions to reduce this quarantine period, which may see a standard 10-day isolation introduced for those showing symptoms and people entering the UK from at-risk countries.
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
The Manc -
30th July 2020 
