JAN BOOST
Covid restrictions ‘might not even be introduced in new year’ as Sajid Javid praises booster uptake to fight Omicron
COVID restrictions might not be introduced in the new year after the Health Secretary praised the booster uptake in the fight against the fast-spreading Omicron variant.
Health chiefs along with the Prime Minister and the Health Secretary reportedly met today and agreed to wait another week to see the results of the vaccination programme.
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It comes as a string of hugely positive studies show Omicron IS milder than other strains, with the first official UK report revealing the risk of hospitalisation is 50 to 70 per cent lower than with Delta.
Covid booster jabs protect against Omicron and offer the best chance to get through the pandemic, health officials have repeatedly said.
The Sun's Jabs Army campaign is helping get the vital extra vaccines in Brits' arms to ward off the need for any new restrictions.
"Well, we look at the data on a daily basis," the Health Secretary told Sky News this afternoon.
"We get the very best advice from our scientists, NHS and we put all that together."
The Health Secretary went on to say that although there is some uncertainty growing around the Omicron variant that it is growing fast and that 90% of all new infections in England are the new strain.
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"We think some 90% of cases now across England are this now Omicron variant. It shows you just how quickly it has spread."
Mr Javid then urged Brits to be cautious and get their booster jabs to protect their communities.
"Please remain cautious and when we get into the new year, of course, we will see then whether we do need to take any further measures, but nothing more until then, at least," he said.
"While there is still a lot of uncertainty around this new variant, we do know that our very best form of defence is vaccination."
Thousands of Brits came out over the festive period to have their vaccines and booster shots.
There were more than 12,000 reported vaccinations on Christmas Day, including more than 10,000 top-up doses, and 24,078 on Boxing Day, including 20,278 top-ups.
Over the last three days, a total of 321,036 people have tested positive for the virus.
On December 25, a further 113,628 cases were recorded and on December 26 this was 108,893.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid today said that the majority of people in hospital with Covid are unvaccinated.
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Also today, Mr Sajid also announced that no new Covid restrictions would be imposed before January 1, saving New Year's Eve festivities.
Millions of Brits let out a collective sigh of relief as the Health Secretary confirmed they could welcome in the New Year surrounded by friends and loved ones.
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"There will be no further measures before the new year.
"We won't be taking any further measures. Of course, people should remain cautious as we approach New Year celebrations", Javid said.
New Year's Eve revellers should take a lateral flow test and celebrate outside despite no Covid rules, Sajid Javid warns
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