Coronavirus news — live: British tourists ‘defy self-isolation order to head to France’ as Oxford jab set for approval

Hundreds of British holidaymakers who were meant to be self-isolating at a Swiss ski resort have reportedly broken quarantine and some have reportedly travelled to France.

Many stayed in quarantine for just one day before leaving undetected under cover of darkness, it was reported.

Meanwhile, as the new coronavirus variant spreads rapidly across the globe, the leader of the firm behind the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine said he believed researchers had found the “winning formula” using two doses, raising hopes it is more effective than first thought.

AstraZeneca chief Pascal Soriot said the firm would publish the results, amid reports that the UK’s medicines regulator could approve the jab within days.

But scientists are calling on the government to put the entire country under tier 4 lockdown restrictions, which would mean all non-essential shops, close-contact services and leisure and entertainment venues closing, alongside the hospitality sector.

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