Boris Johnson speech: What did the PM announce today, Thursday, January 7?
BORIS Johnson tonight held a press conference to update the nation on the rollout of the Covid vaccine.
The PM, alongside NHS CEO Simon Stevens and Brigadier Phil Prosser, addressed the nation and vowed to deliver hundreds of thousands of Covid vaccines a day by next week – and has promised every care home resident will get a jab this month.
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What did Boris Johnson say?
Boris Johnson opened tonight’s briefing by saying there is “one question” at the top of people’s minds – how fast, and effectively, the people who need vaccines most will get them.
He said people want to know the government is, “at every level”, throwing “everything at it”, around the clock if need be.
Boris Johnson said by next Friday, January 15, the rollout of the vaccine would be hugely ramped up, as he revealed that nearly 1.5million had been given their first dose so far.
The PM also added a new national booking service for people to be vaccinated will also be unveiled – and no one will have to travel more than ten miles to get one.
Addressing the nation he announced GP-led vaccine sites providing jabs will increase to over 1,000 by the end of next week.
And insisted he had “no doubt” that there would be enough supply to offer everyone in the top four vulnerable groups a vaccine by his February 15 deadline.
He added: “We are in a race against time, but I can assure you we are doing everything we can to vaccinate as many people as we can across the whole of the UK.”
The PM said he understands how difficult the lockdown restrictions are for Brits and said: “You have a right to understand exactly how we’re cracking this problem, and how the national vaccine effort is progressing.”
NHS CEO Simon Stevens said the majority of vaccines will be through GPs offering it to patients locally, but Brits will also be able to get them through hospital hubs, and mass vaccination centres working 7 days a week.
He said Israel had chosen to do more vaccinations through larger sites – which is partly why they had given out more doses to their population so far.
Brigadier Phil Prosser – appearing alongside the PM – said top military planners have been brought in to increase the number of Brits receiving the jab in the coming weeks.
21 rapid teams are also on hand to deliver vaccines quickly if needed.
MoD top brass have been ordered to come up with plans for even distribution of the jab for all those that need it within the PM’s target of vaccinating the most vulnerable by mid-February.
It came as a further 1,162 deaths within 28 days of a positive test were reported on Thursday – the second consecutive day of more than 1,000 recorded fatalities – and 52,618 new cases.
How can I watch the Downing Street press conference?
As with previous press conferences, Boris Johnson’s speech will be available to watch on The Sun’s website.
It will also be on our .
If you are on the go, you can also follow via our coronavirus live blog.