Sign in Subscribe
Coronaviruses

UK Braces for Another Wave of Coronavirus Infections from Europe

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The UK is expected to experience another wave of coronavirus infections as cases continue to rise in Europe, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned. While visiting BAE Systems in Lancashire, Johnson stated that the third wave of Covid-19 infections, seen in countries such as France and Italy, is likely to "wash up on our shores as well". Despite suggestions that the European Union may block vaccine exports to the UK, Johnson maintained that he did not think Brussels wanted to hinder the distribution of jabs to the UK. The Prime Minister's comments come as several regions in France, including Paris, have been placed under a limited month-long lockdown.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK is expected to experience another wave of coronavirus infections as cases continue to rise in Europe, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson warning that the third wave will "wash up on our shores as well".
  • Johnson stated that the UK is getting on with its vaccination program as fast as possible, but acknowledged that international cooperation is needed to develop and roll out vaccines.
  • Care Minister Helen Whately cautioned against booking foreign travel, urging people to "hold off" due to rising rates of coronavirus in many countries in Europe.
  • Whately also cautioned against "vaccine nationalism" over proposals to block exports of coronavirus jabs to the UK, urging the EU to reconsider its stance.
  • The EU has threatened to block exports of AstraZeneca vaccines to the UK, due to the relatively poor vaccine rollout in the EU and frustration over expected supplies not being met.
  • Prime Minister Johnson has spoken to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and other EU leaders to address concerns and cool talk of tension between London and Brussels.

Statistics:

  • 3: The number of waves of Covid-19 infections that the UK has experienced so far.
  • 15: The number of April by which the UK aims to offer a jab to all those aged over 50.
  • 2007: The expected date by which all adults in the UK will be offered a vaccine, as stated by Downing Street.
  • 50+: The age group that the UK aims to vaccinate by April 15.

Sources:

  • "No 10: UK to get vaccine as fast as possible amid EU row". BBC News (March 2021).
  • "UK faces 'increasingly likely' fourth wave of Covid-19 due to EU variant". The Telegraph (January 2021).
  • "Covid: EU threatens to block vaccine exports to UK". BBC News (March 2021).

Read more