Friday morning news briefing: France added to quarantine list

British holidaymakers race home to avoid restrictions

The scramble to get home begins. Hundreds of thousands of British holidaymakers will need to quarantine when they return from France. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided to strip France from the "green list" after it reported a sharp rise in coronavirus infections. About 400,000 Britons have until 4am on Saturday to return to the UK before restrictions are implemented - requiring them to self-isolate for two weeks. The announcement will lead to a scramble for flights and trains out of France before the deadline. Follow live updates. Deputy Political Editor Anna Mikhailova reports that the UK decision could lead to "reciprocal measures" across the Channel. What are your options if you are in France? Or if (like your author) you have a holiday booked? This is everything you need to know. And, with Covid-19 infections rising in parts of Europe, these countries could be next for quarantine measures.

Meanwhile, Mr Johnson has accelerated the easing of lockdown as he announced that plans for wedding receptions, sporting events and indoor performances would resume. Casinos, bowling alleys and skating rinks will be able to reopen from Saturday - and beauty salons, tattoo studios and spas will be able to offer all close "services and treatments". This is how the new rules will affect your daily life. Some areas remain under local restrictions. Oldham is on the brink of full lockdown, with the area now having the highest seven-day virus infection rate in the UK.

Teachers gave 'implausibly high' predicted grades

The exam regulator has accused teachers of submitting "implausibly high" predicted grades amid a growing fallout over A-level results day. Close to 40 per cent of results were downgraded from teachers' predictions, prompting students to complain they had been let down by the system. But Education Editor Camilla Turner reports how the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation said that - while the vast majority of teachers submitted accurate estimates - some put forward wildly inflated grades. If you or someone you know is considering what to do next after picking up A-level results, here are some alternative career paths that do not involve university.

Racehorse owner fails to back 300-1 winner

A horse has made racing history with the longest-odds win ever recorded in Britain and Ireland. At 300-1 for its second outing on the racetrack, He Knows No Fear was so unfancied that owner Luke Comer did not even attend the race - never mind bet. The horse had floundered on debut and, at the start of real-time bets, the odds dropped to 999-1. Read about the punter thought to have received the biggest payout.

At a glance: More coronavirus headlines

• Spain | Region outlaws smoking in street to halt infection

• Pollution | Dirty air linked to greater chance of virus death

• Sweden | Chief's emails open new row over schools

• Arts | Industry worst hit with many staff still on furlough

• Matt | Finding humour in virus testing - view latest cartoon

Also in the news: Today's other headlines

Flying the flag | Boris Johnson is to stamp major projects in Scotland that are paid for by the UK government with a Union flag from next year. It will replace the EU symbol used to denote when a bridge or road was funded by Brussels. The idea has been backed by Douglas Ross, the new Scottish Tory leader, in an interview with Chopper's Politics today.

• Brexit | Trade deal can be done by September, says negotiator

• Epstein | Scotland Yard willing to assist with US investigation

• Train crash | Off-duty conductor 'walked a mile' to raise alarm

• Migrants | MoD accused of using RAF as crisis 'quick fix'

• Weekly news quiz | Where is PM going for a summer holiday?

Around the world: Tall order in Rio

Military personnel clean around the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro ahead of its reopening. Brazil has the world's second-highest coronavirus death rate. View more of today's best pictures.

Comment and analysis

• Fraser Nelson | A-levels just the start of betrayal of the young

• Tom Harris | Simple reason why Labour is not landing blows

• Ben Wallace | We must remember the 'Forgotten Army'

• Benedict Spence | Ben & Jerry's right to stand its ground

• Reader letters | Any teacher could predict A-levels let-down

Editor's choice: Features and arts

1. Going round in circles | Who wins the battle of the Dutch-style roundabout?

2. New stage directions at Regent's Park | No sharing of props, no touching, lots of Dettol

3. Man from Del Monte... or tropical peacock | Which wardrobe tribe do you belong to?

Business and money briefing

Epic battle | The maker of one of the world's biggest video games has launched a lawsuit against Apple as frustration mounts over commission fees on its App Store. Epic Games accused the technology giant of "attempting to control markets, block competition and stifle innovation".

• Employment | Job vacancies climb as companies begin re-hiring

• Investment tip | This fund has suffered, but the dividend looks secure

• Alex cartoon | See our cartoonist's latest work on world of finance

Sport briefing

Back in the swing | An unapologetically tried and trusted attack did the business for England on the first day of the second Test against Pakistan, with James Anderson leading from the front and producing his best spell of the summer. But Sir Geoffrey Boycott believes England must find a ruthless streak ahead of tougher challenges.

• Rugby returns | Strict guidelines for Premiership clubs

• Football | Wiegman set for England Women manager

• Exclusive investigation | 'We let down GB's young gymnasts'

Tonight's dinner

Griddled chicken with smoky chilli butter | Charred chicken thighs with a garlicky, smoky chilli butter by Diana Henry are an easy win. Read the recipe. For more inspiration, try our Cookbook newsletter.

And finally... for this morning's downtime

In a fizz | It is seen as the preserve of weddings, parties, holidays and oyster-laden dinners out. It is no surprise, then, that champagne sales have taken a considerable hit due to the pandemic. Tomé Morrissy-Swan examines how producers are trying to revive sales.