UK Health Minister Sajid Javid has said the government's measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus's Micron mutation will be reviewed in three weeks as the effect of the new mutation is expected to be understood a week earlier.
"It could take a little over three weeks or it could be a little shorter than three weeks. "We are optimistic that in two weeks' time we will be able to know much more about this mutation," said Javid.
He added that British scientists have samples of the variant which they examine in the army's advanced laboratories in Porton Down.
"Our scientists and the best scientists in the world are working on it, we are working with our G7 colleagues, so we are working internationally, we are working fast here and I think in about two weeks we will know a lot more about this mutation." The British Minister of Health added, noting that the purpose of the analyzes is to determine whether Omicron is "more dangerous" than Delta.
He reiterated the government's position that citizens do not need to change their plans for Christmas, refuting a call by UK Health Insurance chief Dr Jenny Harris to restrict social gatherings ahead of the holidays.
To the question if Christmas parties and gatherings are to be canceled, he replied: "I think people should continue to behave as they planned to behave at Christmas. I do not think there is a need to change these plans. ". He added, however, that before he went to a Christmas party he would do a rapid test for extra security, even if not dictated by government instructions. He said, however, that he would do the test even if the Omicron mutation had not appeared.
Referring to the announcement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson for vaccination with the booster dose of the entire adult population by the end of January with the establishment of many more vaccination centers, activation of soldiers, volunteers and primary care physicians, Mr. Tz. admitted that this is a "huge demand" from the NHS health system, as it will require half a million vaccinations a day.
He said he was confident, however, that all adults would have an appointment for the third installment before the end of January.