Coronavirus news LIVE – UK protected from covid 3rd wave but EU at risk due to vaccine shambles, ex MHRA chief says

THE UK is likely to be protected from a crippling third wave of coronavirus, according to the ex chief executive of the MHRA.

But Sir Kent Woods laid into the EU’s shambolic vaccine rollout, saying the bloc appearing to promote completely unsubstantiated claims about AstraZeneca causing blood clots was “very unfortunate”.

As a result of the vaccine crisis on the continent and fresh waves of covid ripping through countries including France and Italy, Sir Kent said “It may have contributed to a third wave”.

“I think the wave was probably on its way but nevertheless it’s very unfortunate that there was the pause for two reasons.

“Firstly, it loses time. The second aspect is public confidence. Will people now be willing to get their vaccine as quickly as possible? That’s the way these successive waves are going to be stamped out.”

Discussing the UK’s vaccine rollout, he added: “I have great hopes that as the proportion of the population who have been vaccinated increases, we will be able to protect ourselves from a third wave.”

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