Hancock: “Act like you have the virus”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told brits to “act like they have the virus” in a plea for people to follow the rules and covid-19 measures.

Saying “It’s your actions now that can make a difference,” he says, in a reminder to follow the tightened rules.

Adding “We don’t rule out more actions if needed” making clear the the government will look at tightening restrictions if they need to.

Today’s first slide shows that hospitalisation with COVID-19 is at its highest level since the pandemic began, currently, over 35,000 people have been hospitalised.

Vaccine plan explained

Mr Hancock has said that two-fifths of over-80s have received their first dose.

over 2 million people have been vaccinated so far.

More than a quarter of care home residents have had a jab, he adds.

The plan is that by February everyone will be within a 10milion of the nearest vaccination point, this includes mass vacations sites, pharmacies, hospitals and GP.

Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England’s medical director said that pharmacies will start rolling out the vaccine later this week, as part of the jabs strategy.