Deaths from Covid decline as isolation period is shortened; tributes paid to England’s departing deputy chief medical officer.
The UK reported 109,133 new Covid-19 cases and 335 fatalities today, a decline from earlier in the week when daily infections topped 130,000 and fatalities reached highs not seen since February. Health Secretary Sajid Javid announced that England will shorten the mandatory isolation period following a positive Covid test to five full days starting next Monday, a move aimed at easing workforce shortages. Those isolating will still need to test negative on the last two days to return to work.
In Parliament, shadow health secretary Wes Streeting praised England’s outgoing deputy chief medical officer, Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam, for his public service during the pandemic and humorously suggested his resilience in working with Prime Minister Boris Johnson “must have the patience of a saint.”
