BBC News Health

Restrictions brought in to tackle Omicron meant fans were barred from stadiums from 26 December.

The changes, including a new minimum period of self-isolation, come into force on Friday.

Five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Friday morning.

Crowds are allowed back in Welsh stadiums, while limits on indoor meeting are eased in Northern Ireland.

Shelley Parry says she would have died and left a heartbroken family behind without blood donors.

Artists share their creations and the stories that inspired their individual works during lockdown.

A head teacher says about 60 students and 10 staff are absent due to Covid-19.

Hard-to-reach groups – from rough sleepers to fairground workers – are being targeted in a final vaccine push.

Collinson, which also runs airport lounges and other travel services, thinks tests are bad for business.

Stormont ministers agree to drop the use of vaccine passports in hospitality settings from Wednesday.

If the bill is signed into law, Austrians who refuse to take the shot will face fines of up to €3,600.

BBC News NI looks at where Northern Ireland stands in regards to Covid rules after Thursday's relaxations.

The rules on Covid testing and the mandatory self-isolation period are changing in Northern Ireland.

Health worker absences are making it "extremely difficult" to maintain services, officials say.

Colin Lawson was on a waiting list for two years - so crossed the border to his old surgery in Wales.

Piroska Cavell says a lack of resources is putting extra pressure on midwives.

Northamptonshire's chief constable says the force is ready to tackle "behind the front door" crime.

Waiting list numbers hit 682,279 in Wales during November, with further increases expected.