British Health Minister Sajid Javid warned that new COVID-19 infections could reach 100,000 cases a day. He stated that politicians bear the responsibility to be "role models in the fight" against COVID-19, which includes wearing masks in crowded places. Amid increasing pressure on the government to implement measures to control the spread of the virus, Javid cautioned that "this pandemic is not over yet" and insisted he would do "what it takes" to protect the health sector.
He noted that "we believe the pressures facing the National Health Service are currently manageable." Javid urged millions of eligible individuals to receive booster vaccine shots, saying it is "essential for people to maintain their freedoms." However, he did not reveal infection or hospitalization rates, nor the necessity to impose further measures to contain the virus, according to The Guardian.
The British health minister is under pressure due to "mixed messages," as most Conservative MPs refuse to wear masks in the House of Commons or in crowded Cabinet meetings, while Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng encouraged the public to book Christmas parties. Javid commented on the actions of MPs who refuse to wear masks, saying, "This is a problem, and we all have a role to play in this," emphasizing the need to adhere to COVID-19 safety measures.
Yesterday, more than 49,000 new COVID-19 cases and 179 deaths were recorded in the UK. The health minister confirmed, "We must all remember that this virus will be with us for the long term and still poses a threat."
