Follow-up PCR tests have been scrapped for asymptomatic people in England who have already tested positive on a lateral flow, it was confirmed today.
Following reports this morning suggest that PCR tests could be scrapped, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed the news - saying that a follow-up PCR will no longer be required to officially enter isolation as of 11 January.
At present, people without symptoms who test LFT positive are asked to order a PCR test, and are then told to only begin their isolation period when they get the PCR result, which effectively requires them to isolate for longer than seven days.
Awaiting PCR results is said to be a cause of delay to the official start of isolation for hundreds of thousands of people.
Growing delays in getting PCR test results have also been widely reported across the UK.
The announcement by the UKHSA today comes after Health Minister Gillian Keegan this morning said that there is likely “about a million people” currently in self-isolation across the UK right now, after official figures released yesterday showed that the UK recorded 218,724 positive cases over COVID-19 in the latest 24-hour period.
Follow-up PCR tests are no longer required for asymptomatic people who test positive on lateral flows / Credit: Flickr (Tom Wolf)
People experiencing the three official COVID symptoms, which are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – will still be expected to get a PCR, however, but for those who don’t not show any of those symptoms when the LFT shows positive, will not have to get a follow-up PCR, the UKHSA has confirmed.
This change would allow those who are asymptomatic – about 40% of cases – to return to work more quickly.
According to the UKHSA, this change is just a “temporary measure” while COVID rates remain high and continue to rise across the UK and will free up capacity in laboratories for PCR tests for those who do have symptoms.
Awaiting PCR results is said to be a cause of delay to the official start of isolation for hundreds of thousands of people / Credit: StockSnap
People who test positive on lateral flow tests will still need to isolate for at least seven days, and register their positive results.
“While cases of COVID continue to rise, this tried and tested approach means that LFTs can be used confidently to indicate COVID-19 infection without the need for PCR confirmation,” explained Dr Jenny Harries – Chief Executive at UKHSA.
“It remains really important that anyone who experiences COVID-19 symptoms self-isolates immediately,” she concluded.
Another huge blaze has ripped through the historic Dalton Mills in West Yorkshire, which has played a starring role in major TV shows.
The beautiful old mill in Keighley was set ablaze on Saturday evening, with a huge emergency services response.
Around the time the blaze started, 12 fire engines were called to the scene, and residents nearby were urged to keep their windows and doors closed.
A number of people who lived in the surrounding area were also evacuated from their homes.
By Sunday morning, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said the situation was now 'under control' and thanked the public for their patience.
This is the third fire at Dalton Mills this year alone, devastating the Grade II-listed Victorian building, which was used as a filming location for period dramas Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey.
Robbie Moor, MP for Keighley & Ilkley, shared a video of himself at the scene over the weekend and said the scenes at Dalton Mills were 'extremely concerning'.
He praised the West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service for their hard work, alongside police and ambulance crews.
He added in a post on X: "Huge thanks to our emergency services for all their efforts and bravery as they continue to tackle the blaze and put out this major fire, and ensure all are safe.
"Thank you also to all who have contacted me this evening. I have visited the scene myself and spoke with the emergency services and neighbouring residents."
In a video statement, he added: "We’ve had another major fire, here in the centre of Keighley, which is deeply infuriating for us all but most importantly those residents that live alongside Dalton Mills, and those businesses.
"This situation just simply cannot continue.
"You know that I’ve been calling on our local authority to secure this site as best as possible for years now, and this is our next major fire."
Inside Moida, the new Korean beauty and skincare store in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
If your skincare routine has been needing an upgrade, there's some good news waiting for you inside Trinity Leeds.
The shopping centre has just welcomed Moida, a brand-new beauty retailer specialising in authentic Korean skincare, bringing some of the world's most sought-after K-beauty products to Leeds.
Named after the Korean word meaning 'to gather' or 'come together', moida is all about making Korean skincare easy to discover and accessible for everyone.
Inside the new store that has taken over the old Claire's Accessories site, shoppers can expect an extensive range of handpicked products from some of the biggest names in K-beauty, including Beauty of Joseon, Dr. Althea, TIRTIR, Medicube, Biodance, and more cult-favourite brands.
The collection has been curated by a team of Korean beauty experts with close links to Korea, meaning customers can expect everything from viral TikTok sensations to exclusive products that are often difficult to get hold of elsewhere in the UK.
Moida K-Beauty has opened in Trinity Leeds. Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: "With Korean skincare still increasing in popularity, moida brings an exciting new concept to the centre. Offering guests viral products alongside everyday essentials, plus the chance to browse new brands in-store will be a fantastic experience.
"We know moida is going to be a brilliant addition for both existing fans of K-beauty and those keen to discover it for the first time."
It's the latest announcement following the recent launches of Lane7, Footasylum, LEGO, Jerk Junction, The Fragrance Shop and schuh at Trinity Leeds.
The Hoot -
5th January 2022 
