LONDON - June 21 was supposed to mark Englands "freedom day," when the countrys remaining coronavirus restrictions would end, but the government has opted to keep them in place at least through July 19 due to concern over rising cases and a fast-spreading variant.

LONDON - Britain, besieged by a more contagious coronavirus strain and alarmed by the potential of new and imported variants, is about to launch the toughest travel restrictions in Europe, including mandatory hotel quarantines and 1o-year prison terms for those who lie on entry forms.