London: UK Health Minister Sajid Javido On Wednesday, doctors resisted calls for new measures to stem a growing wave of Covid-19 infections, despite their warnings that hospitals are on the verge of being overwhelmed.
Britain on Tuesday reported 223 new deaths from Covid-19, the highest daily figure since March, and the cases are the highest in Europe, with nearly 50,000 new infections reported on Wednesday.
Javid announced deals for two experimental Covid-19 antivirals, one developed by Merck and Ridgeback Therapeutics and the other by Pfizer, this winter doubling down on a strategy to rely on vaccines and drugs to limit harm instead of restrictions Done.
But he warned that people should get vaccinated and get booster shots when offered, or else a “Plan B,” which includes limited steps such as mask mandates, work from home orders and vaccination passes, could be implemented. Is.
“We are watching the data closely, and we will not be implementing our Plan B of contingency measures at this point,” he said, noting that 5 million people over the age of 16 remain unvaccinated and the number of cases is 100,000 a day. cases can be reached. .
“If we want to secure these liberties for the long term, the best thing we can do is to come forward (for a shot), once again, when that moment comes.”
With 139,000 deaths, the UK has the eighth highest death toll from Covid-19 globally. But its vaccine program also got a quick start and Prime Minister Boris Johnson lifted almost all restrictions in England, ending social distancing measures and masking mandates.
Johnson’s government has said it is relying on vaccinations, including booster shots for vulnerable people, to survive the winter lockdowns that have already shut down the economy three times.
But the rollout has stalled, falling behind several other European countries while the booster program is off to a slow start.
Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said, “Covid-19 cases are on the rise and winter is drawing to a close. If you haven’t been vaccinated, now is the time. If you are offered a booster, please accept the offer.” Do it.” Interior space was important.
Doctors have expressed concern that increased hospital visits, combined with pressure on the National Health Service (NHS) from the seasonal virus, could leave hospitals dealing with long waiting lists and unable to function normally.
NHS Confederation chief executive Matthew Taylor called for more measures.
“It’s mid-October. Things are getting worse,” Taylor told BBC radio.
“Healthcare is right on the edge… if you go too far we won’t be able to provide the level of service that people need.”
Javid said he does not believe the pressure on the NHS has become untenable, and that the government will act if it changes.
Andrew Pollard, head of the Oxford Vaccine Group, said the risk was mainly in the unrelated.
They said that . a subtype of delta Growing up in England that picture was unlikely to change. Javid said there was no reason to believe that the subvariant posed a greater threat than Delta.
Britain on Tuesday reported 223 new deaths from Covid-19, the highest daily figure since March, and the cases are the highest in Europe, with nearly 50,000 new infections reported on Wednesday.
Javid announced deals for two experimental Covid-19 antivirals, one developed by Merck and Ridgeback Therapeutics and the other by Pfizer, this winter doubling down on a strategy to rely on vaccines and drugs to limit harm instead of restrictions Done.
But he warned that people should get vaccinated and get booster shots when offered, or else a “Plan B,” which includes limited steps such as mask mandates, work from home orders and vaccination passes, could be implemented. Is.
“We are watching the data closely, and we will not be implementing our Plan B of contingency measures at this point,” he said, noting that 5 million people over the age of 16 remain unvaccinated and the number of cases is 100,000 a day. cases can be reached. .
“If we want to secure these liberties for the long term, the best thing we can do is to come forward (for a shot), once again, when that moment comes.”
With 139,000 deaths, the UK has the eighth highest death toll from Covid-19 globally. But its vaccine program also got a quick start and Prime Minister Boris Johnson lifted almost all restrictions in England, ending social distancing measures and masking mandates.
Johnson’s government has said it is relying on vaccinations, including booster shots for vulnerable people, to survive the winter lockdowns that have already shut down the economy three times.
But the rollout has stalled, falling behind several other European countries while the booster program is off to a slow start.
Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said, “Covid-19 cases are on the rise and winter is drawing to a close. If you haven’t been vaccinated, now is the time. If you are offered a booster, please accept the offer.” Do it.” Interior space was important.
Doctors have expressed concern that increased hospital visits, combined with pressure on the National Health Service (NHS) from the seasonal virus, could leave hospitals dealing with long waiting lists and unable to function normally.
NHS Confederation chief executive Matthew Taylor called for more measures.
“It’s mid-October. Things are getting worse,” Taylor told BBC radio.
“Healthcare is right on the edge… if you go too far we won’t be able to provide the level of service that people need.”
Javid said he does not believe the pressure on the NHS has become untenable, and that the government will act if it changes.
Andrew Pollard, head of the Oxford Vaccine Group, said the risk was mainly in the unrelated.
They said that . a subtype of delta Growing up in England that picture was unlikely to change. Javid said there was no reason to believe that the subvariant posed a greater threat than Delta.
.