LONDON — U.K. Health Secretary Sajid Javid on Wednesday warned that daily Covid cases could rise to 100,000 a day in winter.
In a press briefing, Sajid said the Government would not implement the Plan B yet but it would urge people to take up their coronavirus booster jabs as soon as possible.
“Ahead of winter just as we expected we are starting to see this impact. Cases are rising. Yesterday we reported 43,738 cases, up 16 per cent.
“As high as a 100,000 a day. We are also seeing greater pressure on the NHS. I would like to thank everyone who is working so hard to keep us safe.
“This virus will be with us for the long term. It is a threat to our loved ones.
“We are looking closely at the data, we are not implementing Plan B at this point. We are preparing for all eventualities.
“Today as we approach this critical time. I want to bring you up to date with some of the work we are doing to strengthen these defences.
“One line defence is treatments. I have some positive news to share today, we should be proud the UK has been at the forefront of cutting edge treatments,” added Sajid.
He added: “Covid mutates, like any virus, a new version of the Delta variant is now spreading. While there is no reason at this point to believe it poses a greater threat, the next variant or the one after that might do.
“We need to be ready for what lies around the corner. Our ongoing programme of booster jabs is so important. Today we have reached out milestone of four million top up jabs.
“We’ve got the jabs, we just need the arms to put them in. If you are over 50 and had your jab over six months ago, you are eligible.”
