Eight Week Interval Between Coronavirus Vaccine Doses ‘Much Better’ Than Four, Says Nadhim Zahawi | UK News

Eight-week interval between vaccine doses offers “much better” protection against coronavirus, Vaccine Minister Nadhim Zahawi said, as he dismissed reports that the gap should be reduced from eight weeks to four .

Mr Zahawi also told Sky News he was “confident” Prime Minister Boris Johnson will announce on Monday that COVID restrictions will be lifted on July 19 despite the increase in cases.

But he said new guidelines issued by the prime minister will say people are “expected” to continue wearing face masks in overcrowded indoor environments, despite the legal obligation to do so ending from step four. of the government’s roadmap outside of the lockdown.

“I think it’s important that we remain cautious and cautious and the guidelines we establish tomorrow will demonstrate that – including guidelines that people are expected to wear masks in indoor and confined spaces,” Zahawi said. .

Earlier this week, when presenting details of his planned unlock for the fourth and final leg of his roadmap on July 19, the prime minister said from that point on there would be no more d legal obligation to wear face masks in shops or on public transport.

However, Mr Zahawi’s comments on Sunday suggest greater caution in lifting the face mask policy altogether.

Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green told Sky News the change in the position of government ministers was a “recipe for confusion” and said it could lead to “more confrontations”.

A final decision on England’s exit from the restrictions is expected to be made on Monday.

Wales has already deviated from the UK government’s position on mask wearing, announcing face masks will remain mandatory in some public places until COVID-19 is no longer a threat to public health .

Masks must still be worn in taxis, trains and buses, as well as in health and social care facilities when restrictions on coronaviruses are relaxed, the Welsh government has said.