The United Kingdom has recorded a record 183,037 new cases of COVID-19.
The data does include delayed data from Northern Ireland due to the Christmas period but this only accounts for 22,000 of the cases and therefore the total number still represents a huge jump compared to last week when 106,122 cases were reported.
In Herefordshire, 242 new cases were recorded, with the infection rate in the county continuing to rapidly rise. In total, 1,199 cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Herefordshire in the seven day period ending 24th December, meaning that the COVID-19 infection rate in the county was 619.3 cases per 100,000 population. An increase of 57.1% on the previous seven day period.
From Boxing Day (26 December) people in the UK will receive a text message reminding them to get a booster vaccine to protect us all from the spread of the Omicron.
More than 32 million people – over 60% of adults in the UK – have now had their COVID-19 booster.
The expansion of the booster programme continues at a rapid pace, with all adults able to get their life-saving jab by booking online through the National Booking Service or by visiting their nearest walk-in vaccination centre.
This week, more vaccination sites have opened across the country, making it as easy as possible to Get Boosted Now, including football stadiums and shopping centres.
While two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine provides strong protection against the Delta variant, data from the UK Health Security Agency shows vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic infection is substantially reduced against Omicron with just two doses over time – but a third dose provides between 60% and 70% protection against symptomatic infection from Omicron two to four weeks after the booster is given.
It is vital to get a first and second jab, in order to be eligible for a booster to get the vital protection against Omicron.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said:
We are texting this Boxing Day for all eligible adults to Get Boosted Now.
It has never been as important to get protected with the booster – so whether it is in between turkey sandwiches or before the Boxing Day fixtures, whatever your traditions make the booster a part of them this year.
Millions of vaccine slots are available through the festive calendar so if you’re not boosted and you get this text, take up the offer and get vaccinated.
Some venues and events in England now require people to have two COVID-19 vaccines or proof of a negative test as a condition of entry. People can access their NHS COVID Pass digitally or receive a paper copy once they have been doubled jabbed.
HMG would like to thank the Mobile Network Operators for their assistance in helping deliver the vitally important Get Boosted Now message.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
