All adults in Britain will be offered a first shot of a Covid-19 vaccine by the end of July, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday.
An announcement of a gradual reopening of the economy from lockdown is expected this week.
Mr Johnson will set out a plan to ease England's third national lockdown on Monday, having met a target to vaccinate 15 million people in higher-risk categories in Britain by mid-February.
The UK now aims to give a first dose to all over-50s by April 15, the government said. It previously indicated it wished them to receive the shot by May.
If all adults receive a dose by the end of July, it will be well ahead of a previous target of autumn.
On Saturday, the UK reported its Covid-19 death toll – the fifth highest in the world – had reached 120,365 after another 465 people died within 28 days of a positive test.
A further 10,406 confirmed infections were reported, taking the UK total to 4,105,675.
As the chart below shows, daily infections have declined since the start of 2021.
The fall is gradual, though, and with both infection and death rates still uncomfortably high, Mr Johnson warned the public against complacency.
“We will now aim to offer a jab to every adult by the end of July, helping us reach the most vulnerable sooner, and take further steps to ease some of the restrictions in place,” he said.
“But there should be no doubt the route out of lockdown will be cautious and phased, as we all continue to protect ourselves and those around us.”
So far the UK has given a first dose of vaccine to 17.2 million people, more than a quarter of its 67 million population, behind only Israel and the UAE in vaccines per head of population.
Two vaccines – one made by Pfizer and BioNTech, and another developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca – are being distributed and UK officials recommended a 12-week gap between doses.
This extended gap has been a bone of contention. On Monday, The National reported that concerns over the unsanctioned delay have led to a lower than expected take-up among healthcare professionals.
Their qualms may have been partially eased on Saturday by the results of a trial published in The Lancet which found that lengthening the delay between doses strengthened participants' immune system responses.
MATCH INFO
Delhi Daredevils 174-4 (20 ovs)
Mumbai Indians 163 (19.3 ovs)
Delhi won the match by 11 runs
Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
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The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
What is the definition of an SME?
SMEs in the UAE are defined by the number of employees, annual turnover and sector. For example, a “small company” in the services industry has six to 50 employees with a turnover of more than Dh2 million up to Dh20m, while in the manufacturing industry the requirements are 10 to 100 employees with a turnover of more than Dh3m up to Dh50m, according to Dubai SME, an agency of the Department of Economic Development.
A “medium-sized company” can either have staff of 51 to 200 employees or 101 to 250 employees, and a turnover less than or equal to Dh200m or Dh250m, again depending on whether the business is in the trading, manufacturing or services sectors.
How tumultuous protests grew
- A fuel tax protest by French drivers appealed to wider anti-government sentiment
- Unlike previous French demonstrations there was no trade union or organised movement involved
- Demonstrators responded to online petitions and flooded squares to block traffic
- At its height there were almost 300,000 on the streets in support
- Named after the high visibility jackets that drivers must keep in cars
- Clashes soon turned violent as thousands fought with police at cordons
- An estimated two dozen people lost eyes and many others were admitted to hospital
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MATCH INFO
England 19 (Try: Tuilagi; Cons: Farrell; Pens: Ford (4)
New Zealand 7 (Try: Savea; Con: Mo'unga)
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A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
Match info
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Liverpool v Porto, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE)
Matches can be watched on BeIN Sports
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
