The UK has become the seventh country to record over 150,000 deaths linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The UK reached this milestone on 8 January, after an additional 313 deaths were recorded, bringing the pandemic total to 150,057 people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid. Other countries that have recorded over 150,000 deaths include US, Brazil, India, Russia, Mexico and Peru.
‘Coronavirus has taken a terrible toll on our country and today the number of deaths recorded has reached 150,000,’ said Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
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‘Each and every one of those is a profound loss to the families, friends and communities affected and my thoughts and condolences are with them.’
The news comes at a time when the Government is urging the public to get vaccinated and boosted to protect against the Omicron strain, which has surged in recent months. In particular, children aged 12-15 are being urged to get vaccinate, with half a million vaccination appointments open across the country during January.
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More than 1.4 million young people aged 12 to 15 have already had their first dose since the vaccine was rolled out to this age group in September, with thousands still getting jabbed each day.However, there are still over one million young people who are yet to get their first dose of protection.
‘I know how much disruption Covid has caused for so many families over the past two years, affecting young people’s lives and education. Getting vaccinated protects them, their family and their friends, letting them stay at school and continue socialising,’ said Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and deputy lead for the NHS vaccination programme.
“The vaccine is safe and effective – my 13-year-old son had his first vaccination when I had my booster at our local pharmacy and it gave us both reassurance that he was protected as well, and he has recently topped up his protection with a second dose. Young people can get their life-saving protection at a walk-in site or wait to get vaccinated at school, but the best way to make sure it happens quickly and conveniently is to book online now.’