the scottish parliament will hold a special virtual session today, in response to the rise in omicron cases. a cabinet meeting before the session is expected to discuss whether to reduce the period that people are required to isolate after contact with someone who has the virus. with someone who s had the virus. it s not thought that the first minister will announce any further restrictions, but she may give more details on financial help to businesses affected by the measures already in place. the welsh government is providing schools and colleges with £103 million in funding as the new term begins. nearly half will be earmarked for capital repair and improvement work with a focus on health and safety measures, including improving ventilation. the bulk of the remainder will help schools deal with the impact of the pandemic. emmanuel macron has warned he intends to make life difficult for people in france who have not been vaccinated against covid i9. the french president said he want