More than 100 vaccination sites to be open in the UK to combat COVID-19
London: Amid the rise of new variant Omicron, the United Kingdom has promised to open hundreds more vaccination sites in the coming days, including at soccer stadiums and racecourses, as it tries to massively ramp up delivery of booster shots amid a surge in omicron cases.
The initiative was taken after Health Secretary Sajid Javid told Parliament the new coronavirus strain now accounts for 20% of confirmed Covid-19 cases in England, while the estimated number of daily infections is about 200,000.
According to the Govt., two vaccines shot are insufficient to combat the virus. Therefore, Govt. announced an accelerated booster program to get the UK through the latest pandemic crisis.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "the National Health Service must beat its daily record for vaccinations -- 844,000 in March -- "day after day" to achieve the government's target of offering all adults a booster by the New Year."
PM also added, "To achieve something on this scale, we need your help," the prime minister said in a statement late Monday. "So today I'm issuing a call for volunteers to join our national mission to get jabs in arms."
However, COVID-19 restrictions are imposed last week to fight against the virus. The restrictions include mandatory face coverings in indoor public spaces and proof of negative tests to enter some venues, which will be unable to prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed -- even with the booster rollout.
On Monday, Johnson refused repeatedly to rule out imposing further rules before Christmas to try to contain omicron. "We take whatever steps are necessary to protect public health," he told broadcasters while confirming the first UK's death linked to the variant.
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