Tougher measures are coming, says Prime Minister
Boris Johnson has warned of "tough, tough" weeks ahead as Covid cases in Britain spiral out of control
Boris Johnson has said that tougher measures will be introduced in England in an attempt to control surging rates of coronavirus.
Responding to calls for another national lockdown, the Prime Minister said there was "no question" about whether further restrictions were necessary, advising they would be announced "in due course".
The latest data shows a 33% rise in the number of Covid-19 patients in hospital in England between 25 December and 2 January.
Figures have caused alarm amongst MPs, with Labour leader Keir Starmer calling for Boris Johnson to implement national restrictions without further delay.
Referencing the sharp rise in cases, Mr Johnson said: “If you look at the numbers there’s no question we will have to take tougher measures and we will be announcing those in due course."
Meanwhile, the first doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine have been administered today.
According to ministers, the NHS has the capacity to provide 2 million jabs per week, once they have received sufficient supplies from manufacturers.
Speaking on the supply chain, the Prime Minister said: Mr Johnson said: “We have the capacity, the issue is to do with supply of the vaccine.
“It’s not so much a manufacturing issue although that’s part of it.
“Each batch needs to be properly approved and quality controlled.”