Boris Johnson to unveil winter Covid-19 plan today as he warns pandemic is ‘far from over’

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is today expected to unveil a strategy to combat Covid-19 throughout the winter months, which is said to include booster jabs and flu vaccines for millions.

In a Downing Street conference later on today, Johnson will announce that booster jabs and testing will replace the once-proposed ‘Covid passports’, a controversial plan which was scrapped earlier this week.

The booster jabs will be offered to those who remain the most vulnerable to the virus, including those with weakened immune systems.

Number 10 / Flickr

Other changes are expected to include axing the ‘traffic light’ system for travel abroad, post-holiday PCR tests for the double jabbed, and fewer ‘red list’ high-risk countries.

In a statement, Johnson said: “The pandemic is far from over, but thanks to our phenomenal vaccine programme, new treatments and testing we are able to live with the virus without significant restrictions on our freedoms.

“Today I will set out a clear plan for the autumn and winter, when the virus has a natural advantage, to protect the gains we have made.”

The government also announced that the winter plan will set out a ‘renewed focus’ on vaccines, supported by testing, public health advice and public surveillance.

Gov.uk

This comes after Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham called for a winter shielding programme to provide the maximum protection for vulnerable residents across the region.

He said: “What we want to achieve is maximum protection for the most vulnerable members of our communities, learning the lessons of what happened earlier this year.

“Leaders are talking about a form of local shielding – perhaps not the full national programme we saw earlier this year – but certainly a discussion is now underway about whether we can have a shielding programme in Greater Manchester that affords greater protection to the members of the community most at risk.”