Daily coronavirus tests will be offered to close contacts of people who have tested positive in England, as a way to reduce the current 14-day quarantine.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people will be offered tests every day for a week - and they will not need to isolate unless they test positive.

He also said rapid tests will allow every care home resident to have up to two visitors tested twice a week.

Labour welcomed increased testing but raised concerns over test-and-trace.

The chairman of the Independent Care Group which represents independent care homes, Mike Padgham, said the government was being "rather ambitious".

Vaccine: Oxford jab shows 70% protection
Who can get a coronavirus test?
Announcing the government's Covid-19 winter plan, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said repeat testing will be expanded for people in England whose close contact has tested positive for Covid-19, in a bid to cut the 14-day quarantine.

Currently those deemed to have been in contact with a Covid-positive person are required to isolate for 14 days.

But, under the new plan, people will be offered the opportunity to be tested every day for a week and, as long they test negative, will be able to go about their normal life.

The prime minister said it will begin in Liverpool this week.

"If successful this approach will be extended across the health system next month and to the whole of England from January," he added.

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-55040992

People have been urged to be cautious of the risk of spreading coronavirus when rules are relaxed over Christmas.

Up to three households will be allowed to stay together and form a "Christmas bubble" from 23 to 27 December, as agreed by all four UK nations.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson told people to use "personal judgement" on whether to visit elderly relatives.

A scientific adviser to the government said the relaxation of rules amounted to "throwing fuel on the Covid fire".

The measures will see travel restrictions across the four nations, and between tiers and levels, lifted to allow people to visit families in other parts of the UK.

Anyone travelling to or from Northern Ireland may travel on the 22 and 28 December, but otherwise travel to and from bubbles should be done between the 23 and 27.

People will not be able to get together with others from more than two other households, and once a bubble is formed, it must not be changed or be extended further.

The guidance says a bubble of three households would be able to stay overnight at each other's home but would not be able to visit hospitality, theatres or retail settings.

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-55068769