Boris Johnson on January 13.
Photographer: Ben Stansall / AFP / Getty Images
Photographer: Ben Stansall / AFP / Getty Images
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there are signs that the national coronavirus blocking is working, but warned that it is “early days” and that people should obey the rules.
He did not rule out tighter restrictions if necessary, but told the House of Commons that the existing rules may start to help reduce infections. England is in the second week of its third national incarceration, with schools closed to most students and people being told to stay at home.
“We are now seeing the beginning of some signs that this is starting to take effect in many parts of the country, but by no means everywhere,” Johnson said Wednesday. “It’s an early day and people need to maintain discipline, enforce the rules and work together to roll out the vaccine program.”
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The prime minister said the rules are “constantly under review” but made it clear that he wants to keep the country out as soon as possible. “No one can question the serious damage done by lockdown to people’s mental health, to jobs, to livelihoods,” he said.
Johnson also confirmed that the government is working to provide coronavirus vaccines around the clock, telling lawmakers, “We will go 24/7 as soon as possible.”
That seemed to contradict his own official spokesperson, who told reporters earlier this week that there is no racket over appointments overnight. Mass vaccination centers are currently open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, 7 days a week.