Britain’s Covid cases have risen with a total of 74,799 new cases reported today.
The Department of Health reported another case of 74,799 cases to the bosses today. This is an increase of 3,875 over last Sunday’s total cases.
According to official statistics, there were 75 confirmed deaths this morning. This is down 14% from last week’s report of 88 Covid-related deaths.
The increase marks the first time that the number of Covid cases have risen since January 4, 2008, when officials reported a 57% rise in the aftermath of the Christmas season.
Official figures had reported that there was a decline in week-on-week case numbers for 17 consecutive days. However, the curve downwards has slowed over the last three days and dropped by only four percent on Friday.
According to the latest statistics, 19,430 doses of vaccine were given yesterday. 42,473 doses also were distributed.
The latest data show that the NHS has delivered a total number of 68 795 boosters.
On Friday, 31 million people in England received jabs. More than 115million have been given since the beginning of the rollout.
Dr Emily Lawson is the head of the NHS Covid Vaccination Programme. She stated that the fastest and most extensive vaccination campaign in NHS history has delivered an astounding 115million doses. This includes almost 31 million people who have the essential protection of a booster.
“We are aware that many people have been waiting more than 4 weeks for their boosters. I urge everyone to do so as soon as they can.
‘The vaccine remains our best defence against Covid and long Covid, even if you have already had it, and you can grab a jab at one of the hundreds of walk-in sites open each day — from restaurants to stadiums and other community hubs, it has never been easier to get protected.’
It comes as Dominic Raab stood by a compulsory jabs deadline for NHS staff which could see up to 80,000 unvaccinated workers lose their jobs after it comes into force in February as Boris Johnson mulls a a six-month delay.
Boris Johnson may be looking at kicking Covid’s deadline “down the road” after nationwide protests against the Tory backbenchers’ demand to repeal the rule.
The jab, however, was needed to protect the most vulnerable people in hospitals and prevent patients from being put at risk.
Nearly 80,000 employees face losing their jobs if they don’t get vaccinated. The last day to book for an appointment is February 3.
The day after, anyone without jabs may be dismissed and asked to extend their notice period until March 31.
According to Mr Raab, the BBC was informed that the overwhelming majority of people have spoken out.
“I believe we will continue to ask for people who are not vaccinated before the deadline.
“But, I believe ultimately we must ensure that patients are not at risk by vaccinating them.”
He also stated that 9/10 NHS workers had submitted to their vaccine request.
Raab stated that the NHS has more resilience than ever because it now employs nearly 5,000 doctors and 11,000 nurses more than they did in 2020. It is resilient.
Mark Drakeford, the Welsh First Minister, said that he wouldn’t ‘rule-out’ workers who leave their jobs in England.
BBC Radio 4 said he believed it was possible, but that it could be ruled out depending on the interview responses of those applying for jobs.
“We are not going to make vaccines compulsory in the NHS. We haven’t made them mandatory in the social care services. This is because we succeeded in persuading the majority of our employees to accept the benefits that vaccination provides.
“I don’t think we should go looking for people without vaccinating them, but I would expect people to apply if that was the case.
London’s health professionals were seen throwing scrubs at the officers of Downing Street in London (pictured), and others dumping their uniforms along Trafalgar Square.
Protesters parade down Regent’s Street, holding signs that say “no vaccine mandates” on Saturday
It comes as Nicola Sturgeon today said Scotland’s mask rules could remain in place for years to come if they help the fight against Covid – as she blasted Boris Johnson’s decision to axe most restrictions from this week.
As the country struggles to heal from Covid, the First Minister stated that facial coverings are not the most significant handicap.
A variety of measures that were introduced to address the Omicron variant on Boxing Day will be removed, however laws making masks compulsory in shops and elsewhere will not change.
The Prime Minister, however, has revealed a bonfire that will remove almost all restrictions from England by March. This includes guidance regarding masks.
Asked on the BBC’s Sunday Morning programme today if she can see people wearing masks for ‘months or years to come’, in Scotland, Ms Sturgeon said: ‘I hope not. I do not want these measures in place any longer than it is absolutely necessary.
‘But masks … are something we can do. They are not something we enjoy, but it is possible to stop transmission.
“So even though they are able to make a difference in controlling the virus, i believe it is something we should all do.
My suggestion is that England is the exception here and not Scotland or Wales or Northern Ireland.