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Boris Johnson backtracks on refusal to self-isolate

Published

5 years ago

July 19, 2021

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has rethought his refusal to self-isolate after coming into contact with a positive Covid-19 case

The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has changed his mind about refusing to isolate after coming in contact with Covid-19. The UK Health Minister Sajid Javid recently tested positive for the virus, just days before the country is due to reopen.

Shortly after this news, the government announced that PM Johnson and chancellor Rishi Sunak would participate in a trial program that would allow him to return to work and avoid isolating. However, less than three hours later Johnson backtracked on this decision amid a wave of criticism.

This morning I tested positive for Covid. I’m waiting for my PCR result, but thankfully I have had my jabs and symptoms are mild.

Please make sure you come forward for your vaccine if you haven’t already. pic.twitter.com/NJYMg2VGzT
— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) July 17, 2021

“I think it’s far more important that everybody sticks to the same rules,” Johnson said after opposition leaders called his refusal to isolate ‘hypocritical’. The trial program would allow certain people to test every day rather than needing to isolate.

“Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have been busted yet again for thinking the rules that we are all following don’t apply to them,” Labour Party leader Keir Starmer said.

Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green party also expressed his anger at the revoked decision. He highlighted that the education of many young people across the nation has been impacted even after “dutifully and responsibly isolating”.

“Anger doesn’t begin to cover it,” Bartley said.

Like so many people I've been pinged by NHS Test and Trace as I have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, and I will be self-isolating until Monday 26th July. pic.twitter.com/X57gDpwDqe
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) July 18, 2021

England set to reopen despite high case numbers

The move comes just days before Britain is set to completely drop all remaining Covid-19 restrictions. The nation’s so-called ‘Freedom Day’ will remove the requirement to wear face masks. The government will also lift limits of social gatherings, and allow high-risk business to nightclubs to reopen.

Covid-19 cases in Britain continue to rise by about 50,000 a day. Almost 70% of the UK’s adult population are fully vaccinated. The health secretary who tested positive is fully vaccinated, and only has mild symptoms. He will be isolating and working from home.

Covid19 case found in Tokyo athletes village

Covid-19 attacks athletes’ village in Tokyo

The UK isn’t the only place facing Covid-19 controversy. Britain’s plans to reopen come as the rest of the world also continues to face Covid-strife.

Tokyo 2020 chief executive Toshiro Muto confirmed a foreign visitor tested positive with the virus. The 60-year-old only had mild symptoms, but went to hospital due to their age.

Athletes are just starting to arrive for the Games which will run from July 23 to August 8. Organisers have promised that the Games will be “safe and secure”. Tokyo had 1,308 new cases on Thursday and another 1,271 on Friday.

Related Topics:boris johnson covid-19 ENGLAND

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William Howard

William is an Executive News Producer at TICKER NEWS, responsible for the production and direction of news bulletins. William is also the presenter of the hourly Weather + Climate segment. With qualifications in Journalism and Law (LLB), William previously worked at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) before moving to TICKER NEWS. He was also an intern at the Seven Network's 'Sunrise'. A creative-minded individual, William has a passion for broadcast journalism and reporting on global politics and international affairs.

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OpenAI prepares first consumer device amid revenue boom

OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.

Published

15 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.

OpenAI is gearing up to launch its first-ever consumer hardware device in late 2026. The product is expected to be a screenless smart speaker, signalling the tech giant’s move beyond software and into the world of physical devices.

The device comes after OpenAI acquired a promising hardware startup to accelerate development.

The company is also pushing a strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing, working closely with U.S. manufacturers to secure efficient production of essential components.

Despite the progress, technical hurdles remain, especially around the device’s listening capabilities, which could delay the rollout.

This development comes on the heels of OpenAI reporting an annualised revenue of over $20 billion in 2025, representing a staggering 233% increase from the previous year. The combination of massive revenue growth and expansion into hardware marks a new era for the AI pioneer.

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#OpenAI #SmartSpeaker #AIHardware #TechNews #Innovation #Manufacturing #AIRevenue #FutureTech

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Putin invited to Trump’s Gaza Peace Board

Putin invited to U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza amid ceasefire efforts and reconstruction debates.

Published

15 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Putin invited to U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza amid ceasefire efforts and reconstruction debates.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly received an invitation to join the U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza, according to the Kremlin. The council, created by President Donald Trump, is designed to maintain a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas while overseeing the region’s reconstruction.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow will review the details of the invitation before responding. The board has already extended invitations to several world leaders, with some nations confirming their participation.

The proposal has sparked debate because the Trump administration reportedly requires participating nations to pay $1 billion to secure a permanent seat. Putin’s potential involvement also raises concerns, given his ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

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#GazaPeace #Putin #Trump #MiddleEast #InternationalRelations #WorldLeaders #Ceasefire #GlobalPolitics

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Trump escalates Greenland standoff as Europe weighs retaliation

Denmark boosts Greenland troops as Trump pushes U.S. control, prompting European leaders to seek diplomatic solutions amidst rising tensions.

Published

15 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Denmark boosts Greenland troops as Trump pushes U.S. control, prompting European leaders to seek diplomatic solutions amidst rising tensions.

Denmark has deployed additional troops to Greenland after President Donald Trump renewed his push for U.S. control of the island, linking the issue to what he claims cost him a Nobel Peace Prize.

The move has raised alarm across Europe, with leaders scrambling to prevent a fresh transatlantic crisis.

Trump has warned of tariffs against countries opposing American control of Greenland, calling the territory vital to U.S. security interests. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has privately raised concerns with Trump, while EU officials assess potential coordinated countermeasures.

Despite the rhetoric, European leaders remain cautious. With U.S. influence deeply embedded in Europe’s defence and security framework, the bloc is keen to avoid further escalation as diplomatic negotiations continue behind the scenes.

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