Paramount Press

Vaccine to be eligible for all aged over-18 by the end of this week, according to NHS boss

The COVID-19 vaccine is to be eligible for all people over 18 by the end of this week, according to NHS boss.

Simon Stevens conveyed the importance to administer the vaccine during the extended delay of easing restrictions at the NHS Confederation annual conference.

He stated, “It is now very important that we use the next four weeks to finish the job to the greatest extent possible for the Covid vaccination programme, which has been a historic signature achievement in terms of the effectiveness of delivering by the NHS – over 60 million doses now administered”.

“I expect that by the end of this week, we’ll be able to open up the national booking service to all adults aged 18 and above”.

Currently, in the UK, a total of 71,672,208 vaccines have been administered. This includes 41,698,429 people being administered their first vaccine, and 29,973,779 being given their second vaccine.

Throughout the country, Wales has the highest percentage of administered vaccines with a total 87%; followed by England and Scotland with both 77%; and Northern Ireland with 76%.

Boris Johnson extends easing COVID-19 restrictions

The prime minister announced at a Downing Street press conference yesterday that the easing of the last restrictions of the English lockdown will be extended for another 4 weeks.

The last easing of restrictions was due to take place on the 21st of June, which involved having no legal limits on social contact; no legal limit on all life events; and nightclubs and larger events being able to open.

The reason why the easing of restrictions has been delayed is due to the rise in COVID-19 cases concerning the delta variant – a variant first identified in India.

The delta variant is a mutation of COVID-19 virus. It is common for viruses to mutate, but some mutations can make viruses more contagious. This new variant – B.1.617.2 – is now responsible for 90% of new COVID cases in UK according to the Guardian.

Yesterday, the UK seen 7,742 cases of coronavirus and 3 deaths within 28 days of positive test. Nevertheless, 41,698,429 people have had their first vaccination and 29,973,779 have had their second vaccination against the deadly virus.

US president and world leaders visit UK for G7 summit

US President Joe Biden will embark on his first-ever international trip as president to the UK as part of the G7 summit.

The G7 summit – an annual event in which the largest economies (the US, Japan, Germany, the UK, France, Italy, and Canada [and the EU]) discuss societal and environmental challenges that are set to take place globally.

This year’s summit will take place in Cornwall and is the first time the leaders have come together since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The president is noted to be in the United Kingdom and will have talks with British prime minister Boris Johnson – speculated to be concerning the Northern Ireland protocol, transatlantic travel, and an “Atlantic Charter” which is aimed at maintaining and improving the “special relationship” between the US and the UK.

According to the BBC, President Biden has concerned about the need for the UK to “stand behind” the Northern Ireland protocol.

The Northern Ireland protocol was negotiated by the UK and the EU – coming into force on 1 January 2021 – to protect the Good Friday agreement over tensions with the UK and the EU due to Brexit.

More information will follow regarding what occurs at the summit.

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