The minimum COVID-19 self-isolation in England will be cut to five days from seven if someone tests negative twice.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said this on Thursday, a move that could reduce staffing disruption in businesses and infrastructure.
"We've made the decision to reduce the minimum self-isolation period to five full days in England," Javid told parliament.
"From Monday, people can test twice before they go, leaving isolation at the start of day six," he added.
Australian police charge five teenagers in Sydney cleric's stabbing
Australian police said on Thursday they charged five teenagers with terrorism-related offences in investigations following the stabbing of an Assyrian Christian bishop while he was giving a livestreamed sermon earlier this month.
India inspects spice makers over alleged contamination
India is inspecting facilities of spice makers MDH and Everest for compliance with quality standards after sales of some of their products were halted in Hong Kong and Singapore for allegedly containing high levels of a cancer-causing pesticide.
Israeli media predict offensive in Gaza's Rafah soon
Israel is poised to send troops into Rafah, the Gazan city it sees as the last bastion of Hamas, Israeli media reported on Wednesday, saying preparations were under way to evacuate war-displaced Palestinian civilians who have been sheltering there.
Russia detains ally of Defence Minister Shoigu for corruption
A Russian court on Wednesday ordered one of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu's deputies be kept in custody on suspicion of taking bribes, the highest-profile corruption case since President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine in 2022.
Dubai Police will drop traffic fines incurred by motorists on April 16 when the city experienced extreme weather conditions.
The UAE cabinet has approved a AED 2 billion package to deal with damages to citizens' homes during the recent severe weather conditions.
As many as 1,320 private establishments have been caught violating Emiratisation rules since mid-2022.
