Neil Ferguson says that the spread of the Indian strain may lead to restrictions being "tightened" – but as Britain recorded 3,000 Covid cases today for the first time in a month, deaths remained in the single figures.
Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club has introduced a raft of Covid rules (some required by the Government, others not), including mask-wearing, facial thermometers and protective screens. Will it be able to maintain its atmosphere?
The Department for Education has been "surprisingly resistant" to investigating the shortfalls in its Covid response, including its failure to set standards for remote learning during lockdown, according to a new report.
After apologising in front of MPs today for his own errors relating to the Government's Covid response, Dominic Cummings said that Matt Hancock should have been sacked for "lying to everybody on multiple occasions".
The economic disruption caused by numerous lockdowns has been deeply felt by Marks & Spencer. The retailer's full-year profit has slumped by 88%, and it plans to close a further 30 stores over the next 10 years.
The amount of alcohol consumed in the U.K. decreased during each lockdown, but deaths from alcohol misuse are at a 20-year high as the disruption to regular life has tipped many into the category of "problem drinker".
William Shakespeare, the first man in the world to have received an approved Covid vaccine, has died in hospital at the age of 81 after suffering a stroke.
The success of Israel's Covid vaccine rollout means that the country's lockdown restrictions – vaccine passports included – will be revoked from the beginning of June. But they could return if Covid cases surge again.
Prof Devi Sridhar, who advises the Scottish Government on Covid, has U-turned on the efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccine against variants (she now believes it works), and says "we must move away from harsh lockdowns".
Local health chiefs have criticised the Government for advising people against travelling to and from Indian Covid variant "hotspots" without making a formal announcement about the change in guidance.
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