People now only need to isolate for seven days, rather than 10, as long as they test negative on both day six and day seven of their quarantine period.
Credit: Gov.uk
The public has also been urged to use lateral flow tests before attending events or seeing vulnerable family members.
Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association Of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that demand is high, but supply is inconsistent.
"What our members are telling us is that demand for the lateral flow tests is very high at the moment due to the current guidelines around self-isolation," she said.
"Every five minutes, approximately, somebody comes into the pharmacy and asks for tests.
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
"But unfortunately because of the issues around supply being patchy and inconsistent it means that those who come forward for the test don't always get it, which is very stressful not just for the pharmacy but also for the patients.
"The scale of the problem is huge because the demand is high, because of the current guidelines.
"People are doing the responsible thing by wanting to be tested and we are in the Christmas area of time, and the New Year is just around the corner and people want to be with family and friends."
She also told Today: "It just simply isn’t enough to meet the demand and it’s patchy.
The family of the young man who was killed in tragic tiger attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park have now paid tribute to him.
The man has been named as William Chapman.
Emergency services rushed to the park near Doncaster at around 1.30pm on Saturday 10 October, after reports of a man climbing into the tiger enclosure.
Tragically, the man involved in the tiger attack lost his life.
Today, Wednesday 14 October, Chapman's family have paid a touching tribute to the 'warm and engaging young man' via police.
It reads: "William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved - and William loved them back.
"Sadly, William suffered from significant mental illness over a number of years and was consequently prescribed strong medication.
"It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death. We would ask everybody to respect that process."
The tribute continues: "The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened. The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time. We ask people to stop doing this.
"The family are hopeful that the relevant authorities will do their utmost to get to the bottom of why our amazing son did what he did.
"In the meantime, please do not approach the family, their addresses, or scrape any further social media from William’s or his family’s accounts.”
Yorkshire Wildlife Park shared on Sunday 11 October that Altai, the male tiger in question, is 'safe and well' and will not be euthanised as a result of the incident.
In a statement, they said: "We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday's tragic incident.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life.
"The park will be closed today while the staff team who were deeply affected by events receive specialist support.
"Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident."
Sheffield is getting its very own National Beer Museum
Clementine Hall
Plans have been announced for a new museum dedicated to Sheffield's brewing and pub history.
Now we all love a good pint, especially here in Sheffield, so what if we told you that soon there'll be an entire museum dedicated to the sweet nectar?
The museum will be dedicated to the city's long brewing history but ahead of its opening, Sheffield Beer Museum CIC is launching a public consultation.
They're asking the city's drinkers, brewers, publicans and residents what the museum should be, which stories it should tell, and where it belongs.
In case you didn't know, Sheffield has one of the richest beer heritages in the country, from the Victorian brewing boom through the real ale revival to today's independent scene.
Image: The Sheff
So it's safe to say that we deserve a home for its story.
"There is more to beer than drinking, and Sheffield's thriving independent scene is a proud example of that," said George Brown, director of Sheffield Beer Museum.
"It's why we're asking the city first. Before we decide anything, we want to hear what people here want to see."
The consultation period will run to the end of the year, and it's all kicking off at this year's Steel City Beer & Cider Festival.
The team will be at the Steel City Beer & Cider Festival at Kelham Island Museum from Wednesday 21 to Saturday 24 October 2026, where visitors can meet the team, have their say and find out more.
Daisy Jackson -
29th December 2021 
