The UK is turbocharging its COVID-19 booster rollout, aiming to deliver 3.5 million jabs weekly as the Omicron variant sparks global alarm bells. Health Secretary Sajid Javid called the plan a \"best defense\" against the new strain, which has already been detected in 22 cases across England and Scotland. 🚨
Vaccine Blitz Before New Year
Boosters are now open to adults under 40, with the gap between second and third doses slashed to three months. PM Boris Johnson vowed to hit \"Christmas tree speed\" by deploying 400 military personnel and pop-up clinics nationwide. But nurses warn the NHS is already stretched thin, facing both Omicron and pandemic backlogs. 🏥💬
Mask Mandates Return
New rules now require masks in shops and public transport across England, while close contacts of Omicron cases must isolate for 10 days. Scientists fear the variant could trigger a tsunami of cases, with one advisory group warning it might \"overwhelm NHS capacity.\" Still, officials insist vaccines remain a critical shield against severe illness. 🛡️
With Omicron’s threat still unclear, the UK’s message is clear: Get boosted, stay cautious. The race to vaccinate 53 million adults by January 2022 is officially on. 🏃♂️💨
