That's all from us for now. Today's updates have been brought to you by Mary O'Connor, Francesca Gillett, Rob Corp, James Clarke and Julian Joyce.

We'll be back with more coronavirus coverage tomorrow.

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We'll be bringing our coronavirus coverage to a close shortly. Here's a round-up of what's been happening:

• The rules on self-isolation have changed today in England and Northern Ireland, meaning people who are fully jabbed no longer have to quarantine after coming into contact with a positive case. Here's a guide to the new rules
• Businesses have welcomed the change, saying it will reduce staffing pressures. Earlier, one of the world's biggest manufacturers of brake pads said that at the peak of the problems - when hundreds of thousands of people were self-isolating - they were close to having to shut down production
• The Paralympics in Tokyo, which are due to start on 24 August, will go ahead without spectators like the Olympics did, organisers have announced. Japan is continuing to struggle with Covid and the government has proposed expanding and extending the country's state of emergency
• Scotland's education secretary has said the rule to wear masks in classrooms will be scrapped "as soon as possible" - and that could happen earlier than originally suggested. The rule has already been dropped in England, Wales and is expected to go in Northern Ireland
• The number of cases in the UK has risen by 28,438, while a further 26 people have died with Covid.

Image source, JMT Media

The pandemic has been tough on many people. Among them is Massimo Felici, who owns three restaurants in the Staten Island borough of New York City.

Trade has started to recover but he says a new challenge now looms: New York's City's vaccine mandate.

Starting this week, customers and staff must prove that they've had at least one dose of a vaccine to enter indoor venues such as restaurants, gyms and theatres.

Many have welcomed the move at time of surging infections in the city, but business owners like Massimo are scared.

"This could destroy my business," he says. "There are too many people who are unvaccinated."

"Right now it's summer, so it's not too bad to eat outside. But soon it will be really cold. A lot of people are going to get fed up and leave."

You can read more here.

Almost 620,000 Americans have died from Covid-19, and over 32 million have contracted the virus.

Healthcare workers have been on the frontline in the battle against Covid-19.

The BBC has talked to several healthcare professionals - doctors, nurses, and medical staff - who reporters initially spoke to last summer - to ask how they are faring nearly 18 months into the pandemic.

Idara Inokon, 32, from New York, says "a lot has happened" in her life since last April.

She says she was "burnt out" after working as an intensive care nurse at the pandemic's height in New York and began desperately craving a change of scenery.

"So, I picked a city in Texas that I'd never been to, and accepted a travel nurse contract in El Paso at the end of summer 2020," she says.

But what began as a fun experience soon transformed into "another Covid nightmare", she says, when El Paso became an "epicentre" for the virus as it ripped through whole households.

By 2021, she had accepted a nurse practitioner job working in vaccine clinics across New York City, spending four months on "the other side", which she says felt "less stressful and more hopeful".

"Instead of witnessing the tragic stories of Covid, I was met with the smiles of people excited to get vaccinated, who had hopes of moving toward a new kind of normal."

She says it has been heartbreaking to hear about the pressure on staff and hospitals as Covid cases rise, adding it was a "bit unnerving to see hospitals overwhelmed at the end of summer before flu season even starts".

Idara adds she is most concerned about online misinformation about coronavirus vaccines and Covid-19, as it could "stifle efforts to curb the continued spread of Covid".

Hugh Pym
BBC News Health Editor

Image source, Reuters

The former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for urgent action by Joe Biden, Boris Johnson and the G20 chair Mario Draghi to end what he calls “this vaccine inequality that shames the world”.

Brown has previously criticised G7 leaders for failing, in his view, to announce more radical policies for global vaccine distribution at their summit in June.

Now he says his own research reveals that this month and next month 10 million vaccine doses made at a South African factory for Johnson & Johnson will be exported to the European Union.

The EU has agreed, he says, that from October all African-produced vaccines should stay in Africa. But he argues this should have been implemented immediately and brands the situation as an example of attitudes in developing nations that are “shocking, unfair and bordering on the neo-colonial”.

Brown goes on to say delays mean only 30% of adults in Africa will be guaranteed vaccination by next summer, about half the current rate now in wealthy economies.

A government spokesperson says the UK is committed to improving access to vaccines and 100 million surplus doses will be donated within the next year, with the first delivered last week.

The daily figures on coronavirus in the UK have been released by the government,, external showing that a further 28,438 cases have been picked up in the UK.

In the past three weeks, daily cases have varied between 21,000 and 33,000.

A further 26 deaths have also been announced today. While the number of deaths are often lower on a Monday because of reporting delays, today's figure is less than the 37 last Monday.

The latest numbers on vaccination show that 77% of adults in the UK have now had both doses of a jab, while very nearly nine in 10 - 89.5% - have had their first dose.

Image source, Getty Images

Official figures show Japan's economy grew faster than expected from its pandemic-driven slump in the run-up to the Tokyo Olympics.

Japan - which is the world's third-largest economy - grew at twice the rate forecast in April to June.

But analysts have said growth will be modest this quarter after a state of emergency was reimposed to ease a spike in Covid-19 infections

Tokyo, Saitama and Chiba are all in a state of emergency, while one has been requested by another of Japan's prefectures, Shizuoka.

Japan's recovery remains much slower than has been seen in other advanced economies such as the US.

More on this story here.

Image source, AFP

Nigeria's President Mohammadu Buhari has gone into self-isolation on arrival from the UK.

This comes after the country's high commission in London was closed last week for 10 days after some staff tested positive for coronavirus.

The president's office said his isolation was in line with guidelines for international arrivals.

There are reports that the president was in close contact with the high commission officials who tested positive for coronavirus.

President Buhari was in the UK for a global education summit and medical check-up.

Nigeria has been reporting a rise in Covid-19 infections.

Image source, Weald Heights handout

A 91-year-old care home resident was surprised with a re-enactment of her granddaughter's wedding day after she was unable to attend the nuptials due to Covid restrictions.

Audrey Dear missed Holly's wedding to partner Steve Kennedy so staff at the Weald Heights care home in Sevenoaks, Kent, brought a version of the ceremony to her.

They filled the care home with balloons and decorations and everyone enjoyed an afternoon tea.

To add to the surprise, the new Mrs Kennedy's gown included a cutting from her grandmother's own wedding dress.

Image source, Weald Heights handout

Maria Covington, the care home's manager, said it had been "incredibly hard keeping the plans a secret, but it was worth it to see her surprise when Holly and Steve arrived in their wedding attire".

"Audrey had a wonderful afternoon surrounded by her close family.

"This was a very emotive and happy occasion that brought joy to a very special grandmother."

We've been in the market town of Woodbridge in Suffolk, asking the small businesses there how they're feeling now the self-isolation rules have changed.

From today, people no longer need to self-isolate if they come into contact with a positive case. Last month, there were mass staff shortages and firms struggled as hundreds of thousands of people were told to self-isolate.

Travel agent Lee Hunt says the change in guidance is a "step in the right direction".

"The travel industry is really struggling anyway, so when I was pinged and we were running on just one person a day, we were having to close early, open late, do half days and there's a good chance we lost bookings and business because of that.

"We are only working on two staff members at the moment so [the change] gives me confidence that we are not going to need to unexpectedly take time off and we can roster, and it is good for those on the high street, too, and hopefully it will increase footfall."

Read more from business owners.

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The UK's medicines regulator - the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency - has issued an update to reassure women concerned about vaccine side effects.

It says it is reviewing reports of suspected side effects of menstrual disorders and unexpected vaginal bleeding following a Covid vaccine.

But it makes clear the evidence seen so far does not support a link between changes to menstrual periods and the vaccines - and the number of reports about menstrual disorders and vaginal bleeding is low in relation to the number of people vaccinated.

And it adds: "The menstrual changes reported are mostly transient in nature.

"There is no evidence to suggest that Covid-19 vaccines will affect fertility and the ability to have children."

But it says any woman who, since getting the vaccine, sees persistent changes to her periods that are unusual, or has any new vaginal bleeding after the menopause, should contact their doctor.

"The MHRA continues to closely review reports of suspected side effects of menstrual disorders and unexpected vaginal bleeding," it says.

It also reassures pregnant women who are worried about getting the vaccine, saying there is no pattern to suggest any of vaccines increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, congenital anomalies or birth complications.

More from the MHRA's website here., external

Image source, Getty Images

People in England may need to prove they are fully vaccinated to go to nightclubs and some other venues in England from the end of September.

The government has said that's the plan - although we are still waiting for the final details.

You can download the pass via the NHS app , external(not the NHS Covid-19 app, external), if you are registered with a GP. You can also get it via the NHS website., external

Once you are logged in, you can select "domestic" and "travel" pass options. Travel is if you need to prove your vaccination status to travel abroad.

The system generates a QR code, which lasts for 28 days.

You can also request an NHS Covid Pass letter , externalby calling 119. This only shows vaccination status and has no expiry date.

Under-16s can't get an NHS Covid Pass, because most children of this age aren't being vaccinated.

Make sure you apply via the official website or app. Do not click on unsolicited emails or texts.

More details here.

Kerry Allen
BBC Monitoring, Chinese Media Analyst

Image source, EPA

Ahead of the new school year, local governments in China are deciding whether to allow students back into the classroom.

In the cities of Beijing and Wuhan nurseries and primary schools can reopen from 1 September.

However, in the eastern city of Zhengzhou, which recently experienced severe flooding, students will have to learn online. “Schools will be reopened… if no new cases are recorded for 14 consecutive days,” the Global Times newspaper says.

In southwestern Yunnan and eastern Shandong province, teachers and students must undergo 14 days of self-quarantine before they start back at school.

Global Times says that many students will “be strictly checked with their 'health code' when they register and return to school”. This is a digital QR code that is linked to a smart phone owner’s medical history.

In Taiwan, cases have all but vanished after a huge outbreak that began in May.

However, according to the Taiwan News website, all nursery, school and university students will be required to wear masks in northern Taipei – one of the island’s Covid-19 hotspots - when they return on 1 September.

Image source, PA Media

• The rules around self-isolation have changed for people in England and Northern Ireland today. People who are fully vaccinated with two jabs no longer need to isolate if they come into contact with someone who has Covid - but they are urged to book a test. These changes have already come into force in Scotland and Wales. More here, or for a guide to what's changing that's here
• One firm that is pleased with the change to rules is TMD Friction, which makes brake pads. The company has today said it came close to shutting down production due to staff shortages caused by the so-called "pingdemic" which was when hundreds of thousands were off work after being sent alerts by the NHS Covid app. Tom Russell from the company said the changes will have a "massive impact" on the business
• Organisers of the Tokyo Paralympics have confirmed that spectators will not be allowed at the games because of the Covid situation. The Japanese government has proposed expanding and extending the country's state of emergency. The Paralympics begin on 24 August
• Former UK PM Gordon Brown has called on world leaders to convene an emergency summit to tackle the lack of equal sharing of coronavirus vaccines around the world. He said there was a "global vaccine scandal" and "only intervention at the highest level" could hope to end it
• Scotland's education secretary has promised face coverings in classrooms will be dropped "as soon as possible". Face masks have already been scrapped in classrooms in England and Wales, and Northern Ireland is expected to do the same.

Image source, Getty Images

Nearly 120,000 people under 30 in Wales have still not taken up their first vaccine dose, according to data from Public Health Wales.

Senior Welsh doctor David Bailey, a GP and head of the Welsh part of the British Medical Association, has said there needs to be a push to jab that age group.

"That will reduce not just transmission, but also of course, serious illness, which will mean the NHS can get on with the massive backlog we've got to deal with over the next three or four years," said the Caerphilly doctor.

Bailey said he accepted the risks of becoming critically ill from Covid were fewer for young people, but that there were still overwhelming benefits of vaccination.

"Certainly, the evidence at the moment suggests that younger people are more likely to get long Covid, even though they are much less likely to die," he said.

More here.

Emlyn Begley, BBC Sport

Image source, Reuters

It was the weekend Premier League fans had been waiting more than 17 months for - and it did not disappoint.

We saw full stadiums for the first time since the Covid pandemic shut football down in March 2020, the traditional 3pm fixtures were back and there were a near-record number of goals.

"It is amazing. It changes everything. Two or three months ago, something was missing," said Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo after their 1-0 win over Manchester City.

"The games were good but the fans are what it is all about - the edge of the game, and the boys need it."

He is not wrong. Football behind closed doors - with fake crowd noise on the TV and radio - has just not been the same.

Last season, there were a few weeks with 2,000 fans allowed at some games in the winter, before two weeks of larger crowds at the end of the campaign, plus trials at Wembley in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

But full stadiums are back now. The roar from the 16,479 at the first-ever Premier League game to be played at Brentford - Friday's win over Arsenal - will live long in the memory.

A crowd of 72,732 packed into Old Trafford to watch Manchester United hammer Leeds.

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who scored against Southampton, said: "It's a great feeling to score with fans being back in the stadium. I felt like a kid again."

And Trevoh Chalobah's goal on his Premier League debut - and his emotional reaction - would not have been the same without his fellow Chelsea fans in the stands to celebrate with him.

Read more from Emlyn here.

Image source, EPA

We've heard about some of the unusual venues that have been transformed into vaccination centres - including mosques, stadiums and London's Science Museum.

Now a former John Lewis store - which closed permanently in June - will become Aberdeen's main coronavirus vaccination centre.

Most of the city's vaccinations so far have been taking place at the TECA/P&J Live events complex to the north-west of Aberdeen.

But now, with restrictions easing, that complex can resume hosting concerts and conferences. The Ideal Home exhibition will be its first public event since the pandemic began, when it takes place next month.

The full story is here.

Image source, Getty Images

The rules on self-isolation are changing in England and Northern Ireland today, meaning if you're fully vaccinated you no longer have to quarantine if you come into contact with a person with Covid. Instead, you're advised to take a test.

But the doctors' union the British Medical Association says we're still in a "very precarious situation", adding "we strongly urge the public to remain cautious and take sensible precautions".

The BMA urges people to follow the guidance and take a PCR test if they come into close contact with a positive case.

Dr Penelope Toff from the BMA says the government now needs to focus on "greater efforts to increase vaccine uptake in the population, especially among younger adults and eligible adolescents, as well as revisiting policies to make infection control measures mandatory again in public settings".

The guidance for health and care workers who come into contact with a positive case is already stricter - while they don't have to isolate, they're advised to take daily lateral flow tests for 10 days.

More on the rules changing here.

Mariko Oi
BBC News

Image source, Reuters

Eight days before the start of the Paralympic Games, the Tokyo 2020 organising committee has announced venues in Tokyo and three other prefectures will not be allowed to hold events with spectators.

It was decided during its meeting with the national and Tokyo governments, as well as the International Paralympic Committee.

The move was widely expected as Japan continues to see a surge in Covid-19 cases.

Shortly before the announcement, the government has also proposed to expand the country's state of emergency to include seven other prefectures, while extending it for Tokyo and others until 12 September.

But the officials say school children will be allowed to attend the Paralympic Games if local authorities or school administrators request it.

The Olympics were also largely held without spectators.

Read more here.