The government is planning to scrap isolation requirements for people testing positive with Covid-19, it is being reported.
This would mean that people would no longer need to isolate at home if they tested positive for the virus, in a huge break from rules that have been put in place since the start of the pandemic.
Instead, the virus will be treated the same as other diseases - such as flu - as part of new plans from ministers, which look to scrap the test and trace system, free lateral flow tests, and the law that requires people to isolate inside in a bid to 'get back to normality'.
As reported in the Telegraph, the so-called Operation Rampdown would also see the £500 government support paid to low earners to help them isolate cut.
Government insiders, however, have stressed that nothing will change until next year - with the current focus seeming to be on encouraging people to get their flu and booster shots.
The reports come via leaked official papers seen by the Mail on Sunday, in which 160 pages of papers outline government plans to end self-isolation rules in England by spring.
In the documents, officials from Whitehall claim the virus will become endemic and that the legal requirement for those with a positive Covid test to self isolate for 10 days - which currently expires in March - will not be renewed.
One document said: “We will no longer be prioritising the previous objectives of breaking chains of transmission at all costs.”
It is expected that instead the fight will now be taken to local authorities, as opposed to the national response seen previously.
The strategy, created as part of a six-week review by the UK Health Security Agency to look towards life next spring, makes it clear the government is keen to take itself off a Covid war footing.
Elsewhere, a report in the Sunday TImes says that the government is expected to announce today (Monday 15, November) that booster shots will be extended to the under-50s in a bid to increase the nation's immunity to the virus over the winter months.
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Classic FM will be playing calming music for anxious pets this Bonfire Night
Classic FM will be back playing calming music for anxious pets during this year’s fireworks season.
Bonfire Night may be loved by us humans for the spectacular firework displays and all the festive-themed activities that come along with it… but sadly, the November holiday isn’t quite so fun for our four-legged friends.
Loud bangs, flashing lights, and unpleasant strong smell of spent explosives are just some of the reasons why fireworks are frightening to pets.
Not only that, but with multiple bangs occurring from numerous displays across this time of year, pets are rarely able to pinpoint when and where the booming explosions are coming from, therefore creating even more anxiety around this time of year.
Classic FM will play calming music for anxious pets during this year’s fireworks / Credit: DESIGNECOLOGIST (via Unsplash)
Which is why, for the ninth year running now, Classic FM is once again teaming up with the RSPCA for two Pet Classics programmes packed with ‘the most soothing and comforting classical music’.
The music has been handpicked to help calm and settle any anxious pets.
A survey by the RSPCA revealed that almost two-thirds (63%) of animal owners reported their pet was distressed during fireworks season, and that playing relaxing music was the most common way (36%) to help calm or prepare their animal.
Presenters Dan Walker, Aled Jones, and Dawn O’Porter will each host a night of the specially created programme to help keep the nation’s pets calm through the whizzes and bangs.
Dan will present the first programme on Bonfire Night itself (Thursday 5 November), and then as celebrations continue throughout the weekend, Aled will be on hand to bring some peace to Friday 6 November, and Dawn picks up the baton on Saturday 7 November.
All three Pet Classics programmes will be broadcast from 5pm to 10pm, and you can listen on Classic FM or Global Player available across the UK.
Leeds station to undergo £303m transformation in biggest upgrade for a generation
Clementine Hall
Leeds train station set for biggest transformation in a generation as Government backs growth.
If you thought the work was over for Leeds station, think again.
Because passengers are set to see major improvements as the Government injects a further £200 million into the development of the transport hub.
The additional funding was announced at the Budget today, with upgrades set to be delivered by 2030 and will include the construction of a new central overbridge, three new entrances, more space on the concourses and a longer Platform 14.
Image: Supplied
It means passengers will benefit from more direct routes, less crowding, and nearly 40% more ticket barriers.
Three new entrances will strengthen links between the station and town, improving access to the South Bank, the Dark Arches and Princes Square.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "Leeds station is the gateway to West Yorkshire, and this extra £200 million investment will turn it into a station this city can be proud of: modern, welcoming and built for the people who rely on it every single day.
"The great cities of the north deserve better transport, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering. We're paving the way for Northern Powerhouse Rail, forging stronger connections across the region, and backing the infrastructure that creates jobs, builds homes and puts passengers first as we work to set up Great British Railways."
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: "Leeds Station is the beating heart of our region's transport network, connecting millions of people to jobs, education and opportunity every year – and it’s only going to get busier.
“This investment will benefit passengers and businesses, help to unlock the capacity we need for future growth and create a gateway to West Yorkshire that reflects our ambition.
“Together with our wider plans for West Yorkshire’s Weaver Network, we're building a better-connected region which works for all.”
Georgina Pellant -
15th November 2021 
