Boris Johnson has outlined his winter COVID strategy for England.
The government confirmed that over-50s in the UK – as well as those in other vulnerable groups – would be offered a booster vaccine, as part of efforts to “live with” coronavirus in the coming months.
Speaking at a Downing Street press conference with chief medical officer, professor Chris Whitty, and chief scientific adviser, Patrick Vallance, the PM urged the public to be “sensible and responsible” to keep the virus at bay.
Johnson said his government was moving forward with a package of measures he dubbed “Plan A” – but added a “Plan B” may be necessary if the COVID situation deteriorates.
“COVID is still out there,” he said. “The disease sadly still remains a risk, but I’m confident we can keep going with our plan and turn jabs, jabs, jabs into jobs, jobs, jobs.”
While the prime minister did not outline exactly what would trigger a move to Plan B, Whitty said a decision would depend on absolute numbers of patients going into hospital; rates of infection, and the overall state of the NHS.
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