The Prime Minister says an uptake of booster jabs will ensure there is no lockdown.
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The Prime Minister says progress on vaccines and testing will ensure that England remains out of lockdown. On a visit to a vaccine clinic today, he dismissed accusations from some of his own MPs and business leaders that the Government’s measures are resulting in a lockdown by stealth.
Mr Johnson’s statement adds to what some claim are mixed messages from the government. The government issued work from home guidance, but is still allowing social occasions.
The Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty suggested people should make decisions about “prioritising” activities and social mixing. It’s hoped this will reduce the spread of infection as much as possible.
Lockdown by stealth?
Many argue that the government’s messages effectively put the country in lockdown by stealth. They have also criticised the lack of financial support offered for businesses dealing with cancellations and reduced customers. The Conservative MP Steve Brine said many businesses now face “complete ruin”.
The Director-General of the Confederation of British Industry, Tony Danker, has raised concerns that the Government’s messages are instilling a “lockdown mentality”.
He urged ministers to end the work from home advice as soon as it is safe to do so to protect businesses, particularly those in city centres like London which rely on office workers.
The Prime Minister insists that the national situation with Covid this year is “very different” from that of this time last year due to the protection of vaccines and advances in testing.
It comes as millions try to secure a booster jab, following the PM’s Sunday night plea to immunise the nation by the end of the year. He says this is the “fastest route back to normality”. This weekend Wembley Stadium and Stamford Bridge are set to become mass vaccination centres.
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HeadlineEngland is not heading for lockdown, insists PM
Short HeadlineEngland will not lock down, says PM
Standfirst Boris Johnson has issued an assurance that England is not being locked down but urges people to be “sensible”.
The Prime Minister says progress on vaccines and testing will ensure that England remains out of lockdown. On a visit to a vaccine clinic today, he dismissed accusations from some of his own MPs and business leaders that the Government’s measures are resulting in a lockdown by stealth.
Mr Johnson’s statement adds to what some claim are mixed messages from the government. The government issued work from home guidance, but is still allowing social occasions.
The Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty suggested people should make decisions about “prioritising” activities and social mixing. It’s hoped this will reduce the spread of infection as much as possible.
Lockdown by stealth?
Many argue that the government’s messages effectively put the country in lockdown by stealth. They have also criticised the lack of financial support offered for businesses dealing with cancellations and reduced customers. The Conservative MP Steve Brine said many businesses now face “complete ruin”.
The Director-General of the Confederation of British Industry, Tony Danker, has raised concerns that the Government’s messages are instilling a “lockdown mentality”.
He urged ministers to end the work from home advice as soon as it is safe to do so to protect businesses, particularly those in city centres like London which rely on office workers.
The Prime Minister insists that the national situation with Covid this year is “very different” from that of this time last year due to the protection of vaccines and advances in testing.
It comes as millions try to secure a booster jab, following the PM’s Sunday night plea to immunise the nation by the end of the year. He says this is the “fastest route back to normality”. This weekend Wembley Stadium and Stamford Bridge are set to become mass vaccination centres.
London stations are exhibiting their seasonal Christmas tree, which has raised questions of whether these displays are festive celebrations or clever pieces of brand promotion.
