the isolation period after a positive test from seven days to five. that s partly to help employers, with the nhs in particular struggling because of widespread staff absences caused by the spread of the virus and the need to isolate. hugh pym, bbc news. the time is 6.19pm. our top story this evening. mounting pressure on the prime minister to explain why a party took place at downing street during the height of lockdown. more during the height of lockdown. than 100 people we coming more than 100 people were invited. coming up, how the hs2 rail line led to the remains of a wealthy roman town being unearthed in a field in nottinghamshire. coming up in sportsday in the next 15 minutes on the bbc news channel we ll have the latest from the africa cup of nations in cameroon as two of the most successful nations in the tournament s history meet in their opening group game. more than half of the population in afghanistan is now struggling to find enough to eat.