UK Coronavirus Cases Surge Past 1.47 Million
As of 9am Friday, the UK reported 20,252 new lab-confirmed coronavirus cases, pushing the total to a staggering 1,473,508. But there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
Pfizer Vaccine Approval Underway – Shots Could Start in December
Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed the approval process for Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine has kicked off. Deliveries could start as soon as December. NHS hubs are gearing up across the UK to store the vaccine at the ultra-cold -70°C temperature it requires.
“It’s too early to say what rules will follow England’s lockdown or what Christmas will look like,” Hancock cautioned. But Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Van-Tam said Britain is now “on the glidepath to landing this plane.”
Infection Rates Start to Level Off – But London Cases Rise
- ONS data shows infection rates stabilising in England and Scotland
- Wales and Northern Ireland are seeing falls in cases
- Infections are rising in London and the South East but falling in the North and Midlands
The statistics cover the week ending November 14, nine days after England’s second lockdown began.
Flu Jab Expansion Targets 50-64 Year Olds From December
To combat winter illnesses, free flu vaccines will be offered to people aged 50-64 in England starting 1 December as part of an expanded immunisation scheme.
Portugal Extends State of Emergency Amid Rising Cases
Meanwhile, across the Channel, Portugal’s parliament approved a 15-day extension of its state of emergency, keeping tough coronavirus measures in place until at least December 8.
“This approval reflects well the collective commitment to fight COVID-19,” Prime Minister Antonio Costa tweeted. “With the mobilisation of all we will be able to overcome the virus.”
The ongoing measures include a night-time curfew and half-day weekend lockdowns across more than half the country’s municipalities. Government ministers will announce updated rules Saturday, possibly introducing a tiered restriction system based on local outbreaks.
Portugal, with a population of 10 million, has recorded 249,498 cases and 3,762 deaths. Though these numbers remain comparatively low in Europe, rising infections are putting the healthcare system under strain.
