We have administered a total of 58.4 million vaccine doses across the UK, with over 37.2 million people across the UK now having received their first dose and over 21.2 million people having received their second dose - four in ten adults have received two jabs. We're making great strides in protecting our country from this virus thanks to the hard work of the NHS staff, volunteers and the British public and we remain on track to offer a first dose to all adults by the end of July.
We are now asking people aged 34 and over and people who'll turn 34 before 1 July 2021 to come forward and get their jab. To book or manage your coronavirus vaccination, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/.
The NHS Test and Trace has tested 30.6 million individuals at least once since its launch and has reached 10,192,428 people. 89% of identified close contacts who provided contact details have also been reached. To view the weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/weekly-statistics-for-nhs-test-and-trace-england-6-may-to-12-may-2021.
Global Pandemic Radar
Today the Prime Minister has announced a new Global Pandemic Radar, that will help us identify and track new COVID variants and emerging diseases around the world, helping us stop the spread of the virus and prevent future pandemics.
The Government will use our G7 Presidency to lead the global fight against Covid-19, and ensure the world is better prepared for future health threats so we are never caught unawares again. That is why the Government has announced a new ‘Global Pandemic Radar’, led by the WHO and the Wellcome Trust, to identify, track and share data on new variants, monitor vaccine resistance and spot diseases before they cause future pandemics – as well as supporting the rapid development of vaccines, treatments and tests.
The ‘Global Pandemic Radar’ is expected to be fully up and running with a network of surveillance hubs before the end of 2021, significantly improving global health security going into next year. By building a system of disease surveillance fit for the 21st century, we can remain vigilant to new variants and strengthen our defences against future threats.
For more information on the Government’s announcement of a new ‘Global Pandemic Radar’ to identify and track new COVID variants and emerging diseases, including comments from the Prime Minister and the Director General of WHO, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-announces-plan-for-global-pandemic-radar.