UK leading way in global search for COVID-19 vaccine - but Boris issues warning to Britons

BORIS JOHNSON has pledged the UK's support in the worldwide hunt for an effective coronavirus vaccine, but also stressed the importance of the current measures for Britons to continue following.

Boris Johnson sends warning to Brits over second wave

Boris Johnson has announced that he will open the global vaccine summit hosted by the UK on June 4. Health experts have warned that if coronavirus is left to spread in developing countries, that could lead to future waves of infection coming back into the UK. The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of world unity in a search for a vaccine that could have a big impact on the pandemic.

He told the daily briefing: "While our amazing NHS has been there for everyone in this country who needs it, many developing countries have healthcare systems which are ill-prepared to manage with the pandemic.

"To ensure that the world's poorest countries have the support they need to slow the spread of the virus, tomorrow I will open the global vaccine summit (aka Gavi Replenishment).

"We'll bring together 50 countries and leading figures like Bill Gates to raise at least $7.4 billion for the vaccine alliance.

"Over the next five years, with the UK's support as Gavi's biggest donor, this vaccine alliance aims to immunise a further 300 million children in the poorest countries against deadly diseases like polio, typhoid and measles, again saving millions of lives."

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uk coronavirus news vaccine boris johnson

UK leading way in global search for COVID-19 vaccine - but Boris issues warning to Britons (Image: FLICKR)

uk coronavirus news vaccine boris johnson

"Tomorrow I will open the global vaccine summit (aka Gavi Replenishment). (Image: BBC)

Mr Johnson continued: "This support for routine immunisations will sure up poorer countries and their systems to deal with coronavirus.

"This will help to stop the global spread and prevent a second wave of the virus reaching the UK."

The Prime Minister reiterated the updated the restrictions, including the allowance of groups of up to six meeting while socially distant.

However, he also emphasised the importance of inside spaces, especially as the weather begins to turn.

uk coronavirus news vaccine boris johnson

However, he also emphasised the importance of inside spaces, especially as the weather begins to tur (Image: BBC)

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He said: "Some of you may be tempted to move the gatherings you've been enjoying outdoors to indoors out of the rain.

"I really urge you: don't do that.

"We relaxed the rules on meeting outside for a very specific reason."

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uk coronavirus news vaccine boris johnson

UK stages of easing lockdown (Image: EXPRESS)

The PM added: "The evidence shows that the risks of transmission are much lower outdoors.

"The risk of passing on the virus is significantly higher indoors.

"Which is why gatherings inside other people's homes are still prohibited.

"Breaking these rules now could undermine and reverse all the progress we've made together.

"I've no doubt that won't happen, I think the British public will continue to show the same resolve they have been."

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