What the papers say – September 28

Isolation cheats, vaccine problems and starving rats are among the stories leading the papers at the start of the week.

The Times leads with proposals for a “total social lockdown” in northern Britain as the country wrestles with a second wave of Covid-19.

The Daily Telegraph is among the papers carrying the story that it is now illegal not to self-isolate if required, with neighbours urged to report people breaking the rules.

The Daily Express calls the latest moves a “blitz on virus cheats”, writing that police officers will knock on doors to ensure people are isolating in a “dramatic escalation of state surveillance”.

The Daily Mail also reports on the “corona spot checks”, adding that Conservative dissent to the plans is growing.

While Metro reports on “backlash” against the 10pm curfew.

The Independent leads with calls for a delay to the start of the university term as there are fears more students could become “locked in their rooms”.

While the i leads on potential delays to a vaccine, reporting the Government is “ill-equipped” to deliver any drug approved for a mass vaccination programme.

Elsewhere, the Guardian reports on world leaders pledging to clamp down on pollution and eliminate plastic waste in oceans as part of a 10-point pledge.

The Financial Times leads with US matters, with Donald Trump saying that Obamacare could be axed after the election.

The Daily Mirror also leads with issues from the US, reporting on a “frankenfood warning” as American firms who provide cattle “pumped with hormones” are looking to trade with the UK post-Brexit.

And the Daily Star carries a warning that rats are “scoffing household animals including tortoises”.