The Prime Minister of U.K. urged the people to get vaccinated due to surge in Covid-19 cases driven by Omicron variant.
Addressing the Britons on the occasion of Christmas, the Prime Minister of United Kingdom (U.K.) – Boris Johnson urged the people to get vaccinated as a gift to their families, due to surge in the cases driven by Omicron variant.
Calling vaccination as an invisible and invaluable present, he praised the immense spirit of neighbourliness of the millions of Britons who had already come forward for inoculation. Despite the rising number of cases, Johnson rejected imposing strict restrictions over Christmas celebrations. However, he ruled out the possibility of not imposing curbs after holidays if the cases continue to surge.
Taking it to twitter, Johnson tweeted, “I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.”
The tweet had a video message, in which, Johnson said, “Though the time for buying presents is theoretically running out, there is still a wonderful thing you can give your family and the whole country and that is to get that jab, whether it is your first or your second or your booster.”
In his address, he also warned that the pandemic is not over yet. “Omicron is surging,” Johnson said. “[And] we all know we must together try to stop the spread of this new variant – we must test ourselves and take extra care when meeting elderly or vulnerable relatives,” added Johnson.
Meanwhile, the National Health Service (NHS) of England has confirmed that mass vaccination efforts would continue over the Christmas weekend, with the health service’s “jingle jab” campaign set to see inoculations administered at clinics and local sites such as town halls and pharmacies.
As per the official data, more than 82% of Britons aged over 12 years, have received both the doses of COVID-19 vaccine. More than 55% have also had a booster jab, which is seen as a critical tool for preventing the spread of Omicron variant.
Johnson’s popularity has been battered by reports of parties held by Downing Street and other Government departments during lockdown periods. His political party also lost a by-election in a previously safe seat this month.
Some within his own party members have also revolted against the most recent COVID-19 measures, particularly on mandatory showing of COVID-19 passes to enter crowded venues such as nightclubs, which they see as violating personal freedoms. Almost 100 Tory Member of Parliaments (MPs) opposed the measure, which was passed by Parliament as a whole.
