Health Minister: 'Go ahead' and book Christmas parties but come forward for booster jab

21 October 2021, 09:02 | Updated: 21 October 2021, 09:06

Will Christmas be safe from restrictions this year?

By Megan Hinton

Health Minister Ed Argar has said the public should “go ahead” and book Christmas parties despite concerns around rising coronavirus cases, as he urged people to come forward and get the booster jab.

As the government warns Covid cases could reach 100,000 a day this winter - Health Minister Ed Argar has said people can start to book Christmas parties ahead of the festive season.

When asked by Nick Ferrari this morning whether he could book a staff Christmas party, Mr Argar replied: “I would anticipate if people do what they are doing, get those jabs, continue at pace, I would say yes.

"We see the restrictions at the moment, there aren’t restrictions on whether you can do that, so therefore go ahead.”

Read more: Govt secures two new antiviral drugs to help treat vulnerable Covid patients this winter

Read more: Javid's jabs plea: Health Sec says 'get your booster' as he rules out Covid Plan B

Health Secretary Sajid Javid on NHS pressures as Covid cases rise

The Health Minister added that the public should continue to be “cautious and sensible” as the race between the disease and the vaccine “is getting tighter”.

It comes after Health Secretary Sajid Javid said Covid cases could reach 100,000 a day this winter whilst virologist Dr Chris Smith, from the University of Cambridge, said half of Covid cases are asymptomatic, meaning the UK is "probably already close to 100,000 cases a day anyway, we just don't know about lots of them".

In a press conference on Wednesday, the Health Sec announced that the government has secured two new antiviral drugs, which it says will help treat the most vulnerable Covid patients this Christmas.

However, Mr Javid quickly ruled out speculation that the government could bring back restrictions, such as mandatory face masks and meeting outdoors.

Read more: 'Wilfully negligent': Doctors call on Government to enforce Covid 'Plan B'

Sajid Javid urges over-50s to come forward and receive booster jabs

The British Medical Association (BMA) has accused the government of being "wilfully negligent" by not implementing further restrictions amid soaring cases.

The BMA criticised the decision, suggesting "far more extreme measures" would have to be reintroduced late down the line if the government did not "learn the lessons of the past and act fast".

The back-up plan would see the return of restrictions such as mandatory face masks, working from home and, as a last resort, lockdowns.

BMA council chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul said: "The Westminster Government said it would enact ‘Plan B’ to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed; as doctors working on the frontline, we can categorically say that time is now.

Read more: What is the UK's Covid-19 winter 'Plan B'?

"By the Health Secretary’s own admission we could soon see 100,000 cases a day and we now have the same number of weekly Covid deaths as we had during March, when the country was in lockdown.

"It is therefore incredibly concerning that he is not willing to take immediate action to save lives and to protect the NHS. Especially as we head into winter, when the NHS is in the grips of tackling the largest backlog of care, with an already depleted and exhausted workforce.

"The Government has taken its foot off the brake, giving the impression that the pandemic is behind us and that life has returned to normal. The reality today is an unacceptable rate of infections, hospitalisations and deaths, unheard of in similar European nations."

He went on to say: "It is wilfully negligent of the Westminster Government not to be taking any further action to reduce the spread of infection, such as mandatory mask wearing, physical distancing and ventilation requirements in high-risk settings, particularly indoor crowded spaces. These are measures that are the norm in many other nations.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Paula Miluska had started working from home in November 2022 due to her pregnancy illness

Woman awarded £93k payout after boss fires her for morning sickness by sending jazz hands emoji

Breaking
Keir Starmer leaves an informal summit of European leaders to discuss the situation in Ukraine and European security at the Elysee Palace in Paris

Britain must take a ‘leading responsibility’ for peace in Ukraine, says PM as he calls for US ‘security guarantee’

Andrew Tate is facing allegations of trafficking of minors, sexual intercourse with a minor and money laundering

Trump team 'pressuring Romania to lift restrictions on Andrew Tate'

Skyrora, a rocket company with its headquarters in Edinburgh

Scottish company promises to blast rockets into space from 2026

A petition calling for major driving licence changes has received almost 100,000 signatures

Petition calls for ban on newly-qualified drivers carrying passengers under 25

The Princess of Wales has shares portraits drawn by her three children during the half-term break.

Princess of Wales shares heartwarming portraits drawn by George, Charlotte and Louis - but who drew who?

Double Olympic champion and Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas will retire from cycling this year.

Tour de France winner and double Olympic champion Geraint Thomas to retire from cycling at end of season

A 13-year-old boy has died and five others have been arrested following  a car crash on A672 Oldham Road.

Boy, 13, dies and five others arrested as Vauxhall Corsa spins off road in horror car crash

Lisa Smith, 43, was named by Kent Police

Pictured: Mother-of-two shot dead at pub on Valentine's Day - as police search river Thames for partner

Julia Wandelt who has claimed to be Madeleine McCann

Woman who claims to be Madeleine McCann releases bombshell new DNA test results

Pope Francis will need to remain in hospital with a respiratory tract infection

Pope to remain in hospital with infection as doctors tackle 'complex clinical picture'

One lucky punter scooped £65m on the EuroMillions

Lucky UK ticket-holder claims £65m Valentine's Day EuroMillions jackpot

A life-drawing class that has been running for over 30 years has been told its models must cover-up or find a new venue.

Models at life drawing class in posh London neighbourhood told to cover up over child 'safeguarding' concerns

Exclusive
An investigation by LBC can reveal there are more than 1.1m homes sitting empty across England - the equivalent of one in every 23.

More than 1.1m homes sitting empty across England as thousands left at risk of homelessness

William Howell was found dead in the Aria Casino Hotel in August 2023

Heartbroken family of British man 'left alone to die' in Las Vegas suing ambulance company and hotel where he died

Conor Maynard shared a health update after his fall

Singer Conor Maynard gives health update after being rushed to hospital on stretcher