Boris Johnson winter Covid plan: What to expect from tomorrow's speech
13 September 2021, 11:36 | Updated: 13 September 2021, 12:07
Boris Johnson will unveil his winter covid plan tomorrow in a major press conference, including what to expect at Christmas.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will speak to the British public tomorrow in a press conference regarding the Government's winter covid plans.
According to reports, the PM is desperate to avoid further lockdowns as the Government continue to use the vaccine programme as the 'first line of defence' to protect lives and ease the strain on the NHS.
But what should we expect to hear from Mr Johnson, will there be a third jab roll-out, and is Christmas back on this year? Here's everything we know at this point:
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Repealing the Coronavirus Act
Boris Johnson is expected to be repealing large parts of the Coronavirus Act in tomorrow's speech.
In other words, the Government will be giving up the power to close down the economy, impose restrictions on events and gatherings, close schools and to detain infectious people.
Last week, Mr Johnson explained: "Thanks to the efforts of the public, the NHS and our phenomenal vaccination programme, we reached step four in our roadmap and life has returned to a sense of normality.
“These extraordinary times required necessary but intrusive measures. But I’m determined to get rid of any powers we no longer need because of our vaccine defences. I will set out the next phase in our Covid response shortly.”
However, the Government have stated that legal requirements will remain in place for someone to isolate if they test positive, to "protect the most vulnerable".
Third jab roll-out
In a bid to protect lives, reduce the strain on the NHS and avoid any further lockdowns, third doses of the vaccine are set to be rolled out.
This is according to The Sun, who report that the top-up jab will be offered to the most elderly and vulnerable first, in the the same way the first vaccine was, before then being offered to younger people.
Vaccine Passports
The Government's approach towards vaccine passports has not been clear, with many mixed messages over whether they will come into place.
Most recently, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said they would be kept under review, but that vaccine passports were not an opinion at the moment.
He said: "What I can say is that we’ve looked at it properly and whilst we should keep it in reserve as a potential option, I’m pleased to say that we will not be going ahead with plans for vaccine passports.”
The Government have also outlined that vaccines will be their "first line of defence" going forward, with a statement on their site explaining: "Vaccines will continue to be our first line of defence over the autumn and winter months supported by new treatments, testing, and a world leading variant surveillance system."
Christmas
Following 18 months of restrictions and lockdown – which ran through the festive period last year – people are eager to know what to expect from Christmas this year.
While nothing has been confirmed, and we wait to hear what Mr Johnson will say on the matter, the Health Secretary has reassured the public another lockdown is not on the cards.
He said: “Of course we get Christmas. I’m not anticipating any more lockdowns. I just don’t see how we get to another lockdown.”
READ NOW: What time is Boris Johnson's speech tomorrow?
