Summary

  • The UK records 24,950 new cases - with the figure falling for the sixth day in a row for the first time since mid-November

  • Earlier, No 10 said the country is "not out of the woods yet", with the easing of restrictions expected to lead to a rise in cases

  • Testing begins today for staff in the food supply chain and transport and emergency service workers

  • The scheme allows staff in exempt sectors to avoid self-isolation if they are in contact with a positive case

  • Senior ministers will assess how exemptions are working and if they can expand the scheme to fully-vaccinated key workers

  • The government's plans for vaccine passports are unworkable, Labour's deputy leader says

  • France's parliament has adopted a controversial law which will introduce Covid passports for entry to bars and restaurants

  • Tunisia's president has sacked the prime minister and suspended parliament, after violent mass protests over Covid surge

  1. What's happening?published at 08:58 British Summer Time 26 July 2021

    Let's start with a look at some of the coronavirus news around this morning:

  2. Hello and welcomepublished at 08:49 British Summer Time 26 July 2021

    Thank you for joining us for our live updates on coronavirus in the UK and around the world.

    We will bring you the latest news, analysis and explainers.