UK Sees 20,252 New COVID Cases, Total Hits 1.47 Million
As of 9am Friday, the UK reported another 20,252 lab-confirmed coronavirus cases. This pushes the total infections to a staggering 1,473,508.
Pfizer Vaccine Rollout Could Begin in December
- Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed the Pfizer vaccine approval process has kicked off, with deliveries possibly starting as soon as December.
- NHS hubs are being set up nationwide to store the vaccine at a frosty -70°C, ensuring it stays viable.
- Hancock warned it’s too soon to know what post-lockdown restrictions or Christmas rules might look like.
- Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Van-Tam struck a hopeful tone: the UK is “now on the glidepath to landing this plane.”
Infection Trends: Mixed Signals Across UK Regions
- Office for National Statistics data for the week ending 14 November shows infection rates stabilising in England and Scotland.
- Wales and Northern Ireland are seeing falling case numbers.
- However, rates are climbing in London and the South East while dropping in the North and Midlands.
- Free flu jabs offered to 50-64 year olds in England starting 1 December, widening the winter vaccine scheme to tackle dual threats.
Portugal Extends State of Emergency Amid Rising Cases
Portugal’s parliament voted Friday to extend its coronavirus state of emergency for 15 more days, keeping night curfews and partial weekend lockdowns in place.
“This approval reflects well the collective commitment to fight COVID-19,” said Prime Minister Antonio Costa on Twitter. “With the mobilisation of all we will be able to overcome the virus.”
With 249,498 infections and 3,762 deaths, Portugal’s numbers are relatively low compared to Europe, but rising cases are straining health services.
Government ministers plan to unveil updated restrictions Saturday, possibly introducing a tiered system tailored by infection levels. Internal Affairs Minister Eduardo Cabrita flagged that the state of emergency will likely be extended again after December 8.
