According to government data, Saturday’s COVID-19 case count in the United Kingdom was 40,941. This is a decline from 44,242 recorded a day before.
The figures also showed 150 deaths within 28 days of a positive COVID-19 test – versus 157 a day earlier – bringing the country’s total deaths to 143,866.
According to separate statistics, 168,000 deaths have occurred in the UK where Covid-19 is mentioned on the death certificate.
On Saturday, the United Kingdom recorded 40.941 daily COVID-19-related cases. That’s a drop from the 44.242 cases recorded on Saturday, according to data from government. Pictured: Shoppers walk past a message on a hand sanitiser station amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Regent Street, London, Britain, November 20, 2021
Release of the figures came after a SAGE adviser moved to reassure Britons the UK will not see a spike in Covid-19 cases like Austria and Germany.
But Professor John Edmunds said that opposition to stringent restrictions on the continent have demonstrated the importance of booster jabs, warning, ‘it is pretty clear immunity does wane’.
Sky spoke with Mr Edmunds about the importance of vaccines.
He said, “Frankly in the UK we have had high rates for many months so we are in a slightly different situation to Austria and Germany.
“I do not believe things will happen the same way here that they did there. However, it’s a caution to us. It is clear, I believe that immunity will wane.
“I am sure that you still receive some vaccine protection, but not as much as it was shortly after your vaccination. It is clear that booster doses can give you an immune boost.
Sky asked Mr Edmunds if he thought the government should reinstate control measures. He replied that ‘Plan B’ measures could have been implemented at any time. The government will decide whether or not to make that move.
“They must look at their potential effectiveness, and weigh that against some of the possible costs of these things.”
The World Health Organization (WHO), which is fighting a new wave of infections, has said that it is’very concerned’ about Covid-19 spreading to Europe.
Hans Kluge, the regional director for North America, stated to BBC that 500,000 additional deaths could occur by March unless immediate action is taken.
However, Mr Edmunds stated that the UK would not be affected by Christmas chaos as the country is in a slightly different situation.
Pictured: Protestors take part against Covid certification at Belfast city centre, Saturday November 20, 2021
Saturday’s protest in Vienna (pictured), is just the latest manifestation of rising anger over restrictions and the soaring number of cases across the continent
The British government has rejected repeated pleas for implementation of its Plan B. This would have similar measures as those being imposed on Ireland. Boris Johnson acknowledged that full-scale lockdown might still be possible if the number of cases rises.
These deaths are occurring amid Covid infection outbreaks on continent.
Italy has been reported as considering locking down the unvaccinated. Its decision comes after Austria declared that the lockdown would resume on Monday.
Germany’s government is now requesting that people who are not vaccinated be prevented from travelling to work or taking public transport. Angela Merkel describes the situation as “dramatic” and wants them to stay away. The Netherlands introduced a 7pm closing time for restaurants and pubs, in response to increasing cases.
Austria and Czech Republic announced Monday that they will resume lockdowns. Germany is expected to do the same after officials from the health department warned them not to rule out a complete shutdown.
Slovakia will impose additional restrictions to stop the increase in unvaccinated persons.
Europe’s reintroduction restrictions has sparked an intense backlash. Fevered protests broke out overnight in Rotterdam, where police issued warning shots and injured protestors protesting the Covid measures.
Today saw tens to thousands of protesters gather in Vienna along with Freedom Party, the far-right Opposition. They have called for protest and promised to resist the new restrictions.
In other European countries like Italy, Croatia, Switzerland and Croatia demonstrations are planned against the spread of viruses.