COVID UPDATE
Boris Johnson announcement: What did the PM say today, Wednesday, February 3?
BORIS Johnson addressed the nation tonight as Britain's battle against Covid continues.
The PM was flanked by England's Chief Medical Officer Prof Chris Whitty.
🦠 Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
2
What did Boris Johnson announce?
The Prime Minister addressed the nation at 5pm today from Downing Street.
The PM started by paying a personal tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore, the former WW2 veteran who raised over £32million for the NHS and other charities at the start of the pandemic.
He urged Brits to channel the spirit of Captain Sir Tom, who will be a remembered later this evening at 6pm with a national clap.
Mr Johnson said the UK owes its thanks to NHS workers, and those involved in the vaccination programme.
The PM confirmed the milestone passed earlier on Wednesday, with more than 10 million now having received their first dose.
Those vaccinated included 95 per cent of over-80s and everyone in care homes in England.
Johnson also hailed the huge game-changing news that the Oxford vaccine can stop transmission of Covid by up to two-thirds.
The PM said no vaccine is foolproof but there is clear evidence that those available are reducing the risk of serious illness and death.
He said he will consider the success of vaccines when looking at lifting the lockdown restrictions during a review at the end of February.
Despite a fall in the number of infections, the PM said the rate of new cases are "alarmingly high", with 32,000 people still in hospital and a further 1,322 having died in the last 24 hours.
Scientists have revealed Britain's jabs rollout could have already begun to stop the virus from spreading.
They found there was a 67 per cent drop in positive swabs among those already vaccinated.
It means those given the jab are not only less likely to get severe disease or die, but also have some protection against catching the virus and passing it on to others.
Welcoming the news the Oxford jab may slash the spread of the virus, a senior Tory minister told The Sun: "This is the news we have all been waiting for.
"At last. If this data is correct today will be seen as the turning point in this whole pandemic."
2
Most read in News
How can I watch Boris Johnson's speech?
You can watch the press conference live from 5pm on the .
Topics