China arrival tests optional as Sunak accused of 'incompetence' over Covid

The Independent's Morning Headlines email [View online]( January 03, 2023 [Morning Headlines]( 1 / [Covid tests on arrival from China optional as government accused of ‘muddled thinking’]( Passengers from China who arrive in the UK next week will not face compulsory Covid tests on arrival, it can be revealed. In stark contrast to other countries, testing at Heathrow airport will be voluntary, and those who test positive will neither be quarantined or ordered to self-isolate. The government is bringing back travel restrictions for passengers from mainland China – excluding Hong Kong – on Thursday 5 January. They must present a negative test before boarding a direct flight to London Heathrow or Manchester, currently the only two arrival points. Since Beijing abandoned its “zero Covid” policy, the virus has spread through the People’s Republic. Beijing plans to ease international travel restrictions on 8 January, allowing more citizens to leave. Ministers fear the sudden changes increase the risk of a dangerous variant arriving.   2 / [Jeremy Renner’s neighbour saved his life after snow plow accident, report says]( Snowcat vehicle accidentally runs over actor’s legs, leading to major blood loss 3 / [Warning of disruption as passengers return to work after new year to rail strikes]( Passengers, including those returning to work after the festive break, were warned to expect ‘significant disruption’. 4 / [British husband and wife among four dead in Australia helicopter crash]( The crash occurred off the Gold Coast close to the Sea World resort 5 / [‘The most extreme heat wave ever seen in Europe’: Warm January topples records]( Record temperatures being set across Europe as the year kicks off with unusually warm January     The Big Question What happens to your body when you give up drinking for a month? Giving up alcohol for January can have both a positive and negative effect on your body, an expert has shared. While there are obvious benefits associated with avoiding alcohol, such as a reduced risk of developing cancer and liver disease later in life, Dry January can also have a surprising detrimental impact on your body. Dr Preethi Daniel from the [London Doctors Clinic]( has explained what happens to your body during Dry January after the indulgence of the Christmas period. For the first few days of the month, you may experience an inability to sleep soundly and some slight dehydration. This could be a sign that your body is going through withdrawal from alcohol dependency. [For the full story click here >](   Enjoying this newsletter? Unlock unlimited, ad-free reading on the website and in The Independent app when you subscribe – plus, benefit from our [welcome offer when you join today](. Watch/ [Ukrainian soldier sings lullaby about Russia and drones to newborn child](   NUMBER OF THE DAY 20 – [Labour]( MP Charlotte Nichols shared a list of 20 Westminster figures alleged to be “sex pests” with colleagues on a [WhatsApp]( group.   QUOTE OF THE DAY “This double whammy is serious but still fixable. I’m hoping for a favourable outcome. It’s going to stink for a while but I’ll fight with all I have got.” – [Martina Navratilova]( has announced she has been diagnosed with stage-one throat and breast cancers.     Other stories you might like   [Cost of living payments for 2023 will leave families ‘worse off’, say campaigners](   [Government urged to ‘pay victims’ as Britain marks Windrush 75th anniversary](   [Police begin investigation after three people and dog killed in Perth hotel fire](       Articles available exclusively to subscribers Lizzie Dearden - [‘A reprehensible way to behave’: Crises mount up at the Home Office](   Other newsletters you might like [The Race Report] The Race Report Fortnightly, 7am (UK time) Written by Nadine White [Sign up]( [Inside Politics] Inside Politics Weekdays, 8am (UK time) Written by Matt Mathers [Sign up](   If you can spare a minute we’d love your [feedback]( on our newsletters. [The Independent]( Join the conversation or follow us [Facebook]( [Twitter]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter. Add us to your safe list of senders. If you do not want to receive The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter, please [unsubscribe](list_name=IND_Headlines_Masterlist_CDP). If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe [here](. This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our [privacy notice]( and [cookie policy](.