Britain’s Covid-19 infection rates have risen by nearly 10%. Sajid Javid encouraged people to get their booster shots to make sure the country can look forward to Christmas together.
The Department of Health reported an additional 40,004 cases this morning, an increase from the 36,000 reported Sunday.
The number of people dying with the virus saw a 3 per cent drop, with 61 deaths reported today compared to 63 on November 14, bringing the UK total to 143,927.
According to separate statistics, 168,000 deaths have occurred in the UK where Covid-19 is mentioned on the death certificate.
It comes as Europe descended into a third day of violent carnage as tens of thousands of people in Belgium took to the streets to protest against the return of strict lockdown rules aimed at curbing a surge in Covid infections across the continent.
Nearly 40.000 people marched on Brussels in protest of anti-Covid laws that prohibit unvaccinated persons from eating at bars and restaurants.
Protesters were seen throwing projectiles against riot police officers, and they responded with tear gas and water cannon shots at the protesters.
The video footage shows large protestors shouting at police and throwing light flares at officers. A man can be even seen looking at them.
Just hours before the announcement that Germany will follow Austria in mandating vaccinations, the protest was made by ministers who acknowledged that it is impossible given the fourth pandemic currently ravaging the nation’s hospitals.
Europe was plunged into another day of violence and carnage as thousands marched in Belgium to protest the return to strict lockdown regulations to stop a surge in Covid infection.
As violence broke out, protestors poured onto the streets of Brussels in their thousands. A sign that reads “Freedom over Slavery” can be seen on the streets of Brussels.
On Sunday protestors took to the streets in Brussels against Covid-19. A sign reading: ‘They can vaccinate all the world but not the hungry’
Yesterday night saw demonstrations against viruses take place in Austria (Switzerland), Croatia, Italy and Northern Ireland. This was a day following the shooting of protesters by Dutch police. Seven people were also injured during the riots in Rotterdam.
Europe has once again become the center of the pandemic, as the World Health Organisation warns that Europe is the only place where death rates have increased since Covid-related fatalities spiked five per cent this week.
France’s government warned of a fifth coronavirus wave, warning that new cases are increasing at lightning speed.
There have been an increase in cases of infection in Belgium. On Sunday, 13,836 people were infected. The government responded by imposing restrictions, including an interdiction on unvaccinated people from bars and restaurants, as well as an order that they work at home no less than four days per week.
The police raise their shields to protect a protestor group who is against anti-Covid laws by the Belgian government.
On Sunday, riot police officers carrying shields and batons were seen defending a group of protesters who were gathered in Brussels.
AUSTRIA: A banner displaying the message “Control the Border” was carried by protesters. The far-right Freedom Party held a Saturday demonstration against lockdown in Vienna that was not for your people
THE NETHERLANDS. A day after the Rotterdam Riots, which saw seven people hurt, thousands took place at Amsterdam’s Dam Square (pictured above) and The Hague (pictured below), where seven arrests were made by police
Police reported that 35,000 demonstrators marched to the North Station of Brussels Sunday afternoon in protest against new Covid measures, which were announced on Wednesday.
Some protestors clashed with police at the border of Brussels’ EU and Government Districts during this demonstration called “Together for Freedom”.
The clash saw many protestors wearing hoods with Flemish nationalist flags.
Sajid Javid, however, today insists that it’s not the right time for the Government’s coronavirus Plan B to be activated. He urged citizens to obtain their booster jabs so they can look forward to Christmas with the whole nation.
According to Health Secretary, the country is not at a point where it needs restrictions to be reimposed.
On Sunday, people took part in demonstrations against the measures taken by the Belgian government to stop the spread of Covid-19
Nearly 40.000 people marched on Brussels in protest of anti-Covid laws that prohibit unvaccinated persons from eating at bars and restaurants.
Riot police used a water pistol against protestors to discredit the strengthened measures taken by the Belgian government in response to the new coronavirus spike that occurred in Brussels (Belgium) on Sunday
He said that if Plan B needed further steps, we would take them. As he insisted that the government is not complacent, he added:
For people over 40, bookings open this week to receive coronavirus booster jabs.
New questions have been raised by ministers about whether or not they will activate Plan B following a recent coronavirus outbreak in Europe. This led some countries to revert to lockdown.
The Netherlands confirms a 3-week partial lockdown, while Austria imposes a full lockdown. Austria has already announced that Covid vaccinations are mandatory beginning February 2013.
Re-imposition of severe curbs has led to mass protests, and even violent scenes in some cities across the continent.
On Saturday, thousands marched to Amsterdam’s Dam Square and The Hague. Similar demonstrations were also held in Italy, Switzerland, Croatia and North Macedonia.
After the Dutch police shot protesters, seven were hurt in violent riots in Rotterdam.
Sky News’ Mr Javid asked if anyone should prepare themselves for restrictions returning before Christmas.
The Health Secretary said: ‘As we all look forward to Christmas, it is very sad to see cases rising, surging, in certain parts of Europe.
‘We have always known that this virus, it loves the winter, it likes the cold, darker days that winter brings and we need to make sure we are doing everything we can to protect ourselves against that.
‘What has made a real difference here in the UK is our booster programme, our hugely successful booster programme.
‘Almost 15 million booster jabs given already, covering some quarter of the population over the age of 12, almost 400,000 a day across the UK.
New questions have been raised by ministers about whether or not they will activate Plan B following a European coronavirus outbreak that prompted many countries to revert to locking down measures.
‘That is making the difference and we know that because just this week there was more data published after more studies that shows that the protection you get from your booster… it almost doubles from 50 per cent to over 90 per cent.
‘I will be extending the booster programme starting tomorrow to 40 to 49-year-olds.
‘But we have all got a role to play in this, in our national vaccination programme and if you are eligible, whether it is your first shot, second shot or your third shot, please come forward and let’s look forward to Christmas together.’
As of tomorrow, people over 40 can book their third coronavirus vaccine. For the second vaccination, 16-year-olds as well as 17-years-olds can also book.
A booster is available for those who have had their first dose. The top-up jab can be obtained within six months.
However, they can still book appointments starting at 7 am Monday for 40-plus people.
As of Friday in the UK, more than 14,000,000 boosters and third doses were administered. More than 1 million additional jabs have been recorded since Tuesday.