Health Secretary Sajid Javid has today announced new self-isolation rules for Britons who have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
He announced the changes in an address to MPs in the House of Commons this afternoon (6 July).
Mr Javid confirmed that from 16 August, anyone who is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) will no longer have to self-isolate if they are double-jabbed.
He also confirmed that anyone aged under 18 who is a close contact of a positive case will also no longer have to self-isolate.
The decision to introduce the new rules on 16 August comes ahead of the return of schools.
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Mr Javid further stated that schools and pupils will be given advice about whether they should get tested depending on their age.
“This new approach means that we can manage the virus in a way that is proportionate.”
Sajid Javid says from 16 August anyone who is a close contact of someone who tested positive will no longer have to self-isolate if they are double jabbed.https://t.co/8aXjNq8qSIpic.twitter.com/TShrzKxw76
He told MPs: “I understand that some people are cautious about their idea of easing restrictions, but we must balance the risks – the risks of a virus that has diminished but not defeated, against the risks of keeping these restrictions and the health, social and economic hardship that we know they bring.
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“This pandemic is far from over and we will continue to proceed with caution.
“But we’re increasingly confident that our plan is working and that we can soon begin a new chapter based on the foundations of personal responsibility and common sense rather than the blunt instrument of rules and regulations.”
Mr Javid also stated that the government is currently looking at how to remove the need for fully-vaccinated UK arrivals to quarantine after returning from an amber list country.
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The Health Secretary’s address to MPs comes ahead of Education Secretary Gavin Williamson’s statement regarding the easing of COVID restrictions in education settings – which is expected to be delivered shortly.
Featured Image – UK Parliament
UK News
The route for the 2027 Tour de France Femmes revealed ahead of Manchester debut
Danny Jones
The route for next year’s women’s historic Tour de France has been announced, with some of the best riders in the world set to pass through Greater Manchester and more.
Yet another big coup for the region and our sporting scene.
Speaking with the City Council, now that the full route has been revealed, our very own Dame Sarah Storey joined many in celebrating another huge moment for us; the female Tour de France is not just back up and running, but aiming to become bigger than ever.
🚴♀️ The world’s best cyclists are heading to Manchester! 🚴♀️
The routes for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2027 have now been revealed, with Manchester set to host the Stage One finish on Friday 30 July and the Stage Two start on Saturday 31 July. pic.twitter.com/OMMlhdorqP
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) April 21, 2026
The Stockport-born swimmer turned Team GB cyclist and multi-Olympic gold medallist knows all about what makes this particular sport special, having swapped a previous and highly successful career for an entirely different discipline.
As has now been fully confirmed, the 2027 Grand Départ will be getting underway with our friends in Leeds, before heading through Yorkshire and into Greater Manchester.
Upon entering our neck of the woods, the course will pass through the likes of Rochdale and Oldham into Manchester city centre, before heading into Stockport and neighbouring North West county, Derbyshire, and finally heading back through the Peaks.
Spread across two incredible days, the race itself will finish in Sheffield, with another UK first happening down in London, as the capital will also host the inaugural team time trial held in this country.
You can see the official event’s breakdown of what locations feature in which stages of ‘The Big Loop’ in more detail below.
Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig, went on to add: “Being able to watch the world’s best cyclists in action and in such an iconic event, taking place right here on our doorstep in the heart of Manchester next summer, is going to be epic on so many levels.
“Championing women and girls to participate in and enjoy sports – including cycling – at all levels from entry through to elite, is really important to us and next year’s Tour de France Femmes is set to play a huge part in helping inspire the next generation of sporting talent from our city.
“With millions of spectators expected to line the routes, including here in the city centre, we’ll be going all out to help ensure the event’s success with what is set to be a ‘Tour takeover’ of the city to maximise opportunities for local people and businesses to get involved, to grow their own sporting skills, and to take part in the many community activities being planned.”
Having hosted everything from the BRITs and the MOBO Awards to another Super League Grand Finals in both netball and rugby, not to mention numerous other huge events over the past couple of years, it truly is a great time to be living in Greater Manchester.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via Manchester City Council)
UK News
A list of all the best freebies you can get at this year’s Manchester Marathon
Lydia Mastrolonardo
It’s that time of the year again to brace yourselves for Strava-plastered Instagram stories and road closures – that’s right, it’s one of the UK’s biggest running events: the adidas Manchester Marathon, which also means it’s time for lots of well-earned freebies.
Even if you’re not participating this year, don’t miss out on the opportunity to come down to support our fellow Mancunians, many of whom will be running for a great cause and immerse yourself in the infectiously positive atmosphere here on marathon day in the city centre.
Now, for all of you runners, after all of that training and hard work, it’s time to kick back, relax and let us do this last leg of the race for you. 26.2 miles is no small feat, so make sure you look after yourselves inside the celebration zone before moving on to the much-deserved freebies further afield.
Whether you’re set on gaining a new PB or are just focusing on surviving to the finish line, we believe that you all deserve to unwind properly. So, find out all the free things you can get your hands on after the 2026 Manchester Marathon.
20 Manchester Marathon freebies for 2026
FYI: All deals below are only validated by showing your 2026 Adidas Manchester Marathon medal upon entry – no medal, no free stuff!
1. ERDINGER ‘Alkoholfrei’
First stop is to rehydrate and recover, with an isotonic celebration (and your first ‘bev’ of the day).
Go and grab your FREE drink in the adidas Celebration Zone, packed with B-vitamins and minerals to replenish your body with all that it needs post-marathon.
2. High5
Before you leave the Celebration Zone, collect your Vanilla Chocolate-flavoured HIGH5 Recovery Protein Bar, packed with carbohydrates and proteins to help with recovery and build your energy stores back up, so you’re able to go and explore the next deals.
Credit: The Manc Group
3. Vita Coco
Next, head over to the Vita Coco Refresh Zone to collect your free Vita Coco Coconut Water. With high levels of Vitamin C and potassium, it’s guaranteed to refuel and hydrate your body.
Ensure you collect your ‘Feel Good Fuel,’ before moving on to your next treats.
4. HARIBO
Time for a sweet treat, after all, you’ve earned it.
Go and visit the HARIBO Activation Zone to collect some energy-filled sweets. They will have a selection of Starmix, Supermix, Tangfastics and GIANT Strawbs available to both runners and spectators, so there’s something for everyone!
5. Circolo Popolare
One of Manchester city centre’s finest Italian restaurants is offering a free margherita pizza.
Again, all you have to do is present your finisher’s medal to secure some free slices. It’s also worth noting that you can claim this at any time between race day on Sunday and the following Wednesday.
It’s a very popular place, of course, so it’s definitely worth trying to book ahead if you can, which you can do so right HERE.
Next up is Blackbird over at beloved bar, kitchen and small-cap gig venue, Gorilla, who will be offering a free dessert on them with a dining reservation.
T&Cs apply, of course – pre-booked tables only as stipulated and one dessert per medal etc. – but it’s pretty much as simple as that.
Following last year’s success, Circle Square will again be transformed into an all-day bustling free Manchester Marathon Fan Zone with big screens, food and drink stalls and a schedule of family-friendly activities, only a short distance from the marathon’s finish line on Oxford Road.
This area will be a supporters’ hub from 9am-5pm, supplying a vibrant space for spectators to rally support throughout the day, as well as a meeting point for runners to reconvene with family and friends after the race.
Activities will include arts and crafts, dance experiences, children’s sport sessions and performances from a youth-led percussion and dance band. Restart Pilates will be hosting free guided ‘stretch and recovery’ sessions all afternoon for marathon finishers in Symphony Park.
Jetts Gym are also set to deliver outdoor fitness classes throughout the day, with ‘sports massage and physio support’ on hand and evening classes dedicated to ‘stretching and light movement,’ to cool down post-marathon.
Proudly part of the running route and one of our favourite strips to run during the Manchester Marathon track, The Deansgate pub is offering finishers a drink on the house.
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They’re doing the same for the TSC London Marathon as well, and the Greene King pub group in general will be extending that bit of kindness to runners turned punters.
Upon leaving the Adidas Celebration Zone, after soaking up the atmosphere and music, head on over to The Grosvenor’s unofficial after party for your reward.
All medal holders are entitled to a free pint of BrewDog Cold Beer, and both runners and the public will have the opportunity to try the brand-new Jagermeister Orange.
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There’s nothing quite like that first sip of an ice-cold pint after a run, and with it located so close to the finish zone, even if your legs are like jelly, it’s only a few steps to stumble to – it would be rude not to.
Not to mention, they will also be hosting entertainment throughout the day, with lots of huge giveaways.
Now this one is great, not just for runners but volunteers too, as both are entitled to a free burger on Sunday, 19 April.
All you have to do is show your medal/volunteer pass, purchase a single drink, and then you can reserve your well-earned meal.
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Only available at their Spinningfields and Trafford restaurants, take your pick!
12. Chotto Matte Manchester
Chotto Matte is also inviting participants to unwind with a drink and celebrate with family or friends, high above the Manchester skyline.
Marathon runners are invited to enjoy a complimentary pint or glass of Prosecco, in Claude’s Skyview Bar between 12 and 6pm.
Simply flash your medal at reception to collect your token, and then it’s time to relax. To accommodate the occasion, a relaxed dress code is in place to facilitate runners straight from crossing the finish line.
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This offer is available to walk-ins only, so don’t wait around. Head on up and enjoy the views across the city, you could even try and see if you can spot where you just ran.
To celebrate in style, head over to the Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel to receive another complimentary glass of prosecco for all marathon runners.
Not to mention 26% off your table for those 26.2 miles you ran. Very well deserved, we think! Walk-ins are welcome all day.
14. Mollie’s Motel
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If you’re getting in need of a bit of food by this point, Mollie’s is celebrating this amazing day with unlimited fries for all runners and friends. Yes, you heard right: come and get your post-run fix of carbs for free, available with any main item order.
Can your day get any better? If you thought you received kudos for your run before, just you wait until they find out that every runner can share their hours of endless fries with their group of supporters.
Everyone will want to be your best friend even more, and the kudos will know no bounds – if you think about it, it’s a reward for everyone involved.
Whether they’ve been there for you through the highs and lows of training or have spent their day standing on the sidelines, everyone deserves a little reward in potato form at Mollie’s.
15. YES
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Alternatively, head over to YES for free slices of arguably some of the best pizza in town.
Go and make the most out of their deal of a free slice of pizza with every pint bought, for all marathon finishers. Can you think of a better way to celebrate?
YES is a fantastic bar and event space located on Charles St. It is stretched over multiple floors with a gorgeous roof terrace and outdoor area, offering live music, food and cheap drinks. Don’t believe us? Go on down and see for yourself.
Ideal on that terrace if we get perfect race day weather. (Credit: The Manc)
16. Dishoom
Next stop is Dishoom, grab a table and claim your free 330ml Kingfisher or Kingfisher Zero (0.0%) beer for anyone dining with a finisher’s medal.
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Serving Indian-inspired dishes, this would be another amazing option to stop off for some class food.
17. Motley
There is a FREE pint or non-alcoholic ‘Nojito’ waiting for you at Motley, and in their words, it’s time to ‘run like a saint… celebrate like a sinner!’
With a choice of either a free pint of Motley Brew, a locally produced craft Pilsner from Seven Bro7hers Brewery or for those more ‘saintly’ runners, there is a non-alcoholic spin on a Mojito waiting to quench your thirst. Simply present your medal at the bar to collect your refreshing reward.
Located in Deansgate, Motley is best known for having a laid-back community atmosphere, serving both seasonal food and inventive cocktails. This isn’t one to miss.
18. Society
If you’ve got any stamina left, you might as well make it a crawl – next stop for a free pint is Society, located on Barbirolli Square. After 26.2 miles and all of that gruelling training, you deserve it.
Society prides itself on its relaxing atmosphere, perfect for recovering post-run, with the city’s ‘biggest beer collection’ and five fantastic, independent, street food stalls to refuel with.
Not to mention all of those with a medal will be able to collect a refreshing post-run free pint of hazy pale ale, created in partnership with the Manchester brewery Sureshot, but don’t delay, as they’re available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Every year, plenty of people stretch out their marathon celebrations by treating themselves to a bit of posh scran, and many of them eye up a steak at Gaucho – especially when it’s free.
With a choice from any of their signature cuts, it’s a great choice and gets that protein in.
Unlike the others on the list, this deal is available from 19 – 23 April, so if you want to celebrate after some sleep, that’s absolutely fine, just don’t forget to bring along your medal to redeem your steak!
Why not end the night with a game of shuffleboard?
All marathon finishers are entitled to a free glass of house wine (175ml), a glass of prosecco (125ml) or a soft drink.
On Sunday, 19 April, Electric Shuffle will also be hosting a Bottomless Brunch from 12-2pm and 2:30-4:30pm. Expect sets from the resident DJ, four beers or a bottle of prosecco for each guest, unlimited sourdough pizza and one hour of shuffleboard! Find out more and book HERE.
The Manc -
6th July 2021 
