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Boris Johnson announcement: What did the Prime Minister say today, Wednesday, February, 10?
BORIS Johnson once again made an announcement to the nation today.
The Prime Minister addressed the nation alongside top scientific experts, and hailed the latest vaccine statistics with nearly 13million people getting their first jab so far.
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What did Boris Johnson announce?
The Prime Minister urged those who've been contacted about a Covid jab but have not yet had it to ensure they get vaccinated as soon as possible.
He admitted the country faces "a long and hard road back to normality" but reminded the public that getting as many people vaccinated as possible is the way we will eventually return to a somewhat normal life.
Boris Johnson said there are two million people in vulnerable groups who’ve not had the jab.
He insisted the vaccine was “safe and effective” and nobody should be more than 10 miles away from a mass vaccination centre.
The Prime Minister said the UK had "made great strides" with the vaccination programme.
He said the government set a target for vaccinating 15 million people by mid-February.
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"With less than a week ago with the target date, we have made great strides with just over 13 million vaccinated,” he said
This includes all over 70s, NHS and care staff, and those with serious conditions but "now is the moment" to bridge the gaps.
Boris Johnson also welcomed the news as the World Health Organisation announced Oxford/AstraZeneca jab is effective in all adults - including over-65s.
It comes after The Sun revealed that just one jab is likely to give two thirds protection against coronavirus, vindicating ministers' decision to give it to as many people as possible, as quickly as possible.
In the first week of February, No10 admitted they wanted to get all over 50s vaccinated by May - with aims to be nearly reaching everyone - when they have vowed to push ahead with holding local council elections.
The PM has said he will reveal all on February 22, after assessing the data.
A further 1,001 deaths have been reported - with the total number of victims in the UK now at 114,851.
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This is a quarter lower than last Wednesday, when 1,322 new deaths were recorded with a further 19,202 cases.
The PM was asked when Brits would be able to go on holiday - after Transport Secretary Grant Shapps played down the prospect earlier today.
Boris dodged the question, but said he hoped to give people a clearer answer.
He said: "Well, as you know, everybody knows it's currently illegal to go on holiday.
"That's the state of play at the moment, we're looking at the data, every day, on Monday we'll be able to say a little bit more about where we are, where the data is.
"Then in the week of the 22nd, as I said, we'll be setting out the roadmap.
"I hope that we'll be able to give some clarity to people there.
"I am afraid it is just too early for people to be certain about what we will be able to do this summer.
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"We hope to be able to say more in the week of the 22nd when more comes in, and how the vaccine is working on us all.
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"We are just going to have to be a bit more patient."
He also confirmed the Government is involved in speaking with travel firms about an app which will allow people to go on holiday - and prove they will have had the vaccine.
Boris Johnson says 'We're going to have to get used to the idea of vaccinating and then re-vaccinating in the Autumn as we come to face these new variants'
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