NHS may move patients into hotels - as Hancock says end of restrictions 'impossible to know'

Matt Hancock self-isolating again

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announces that he will be self-isolating afterbeing alerted by the NHS Test and Trace App.

Covid-19 briefing: All you need to know

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said the coronavirus outbreak is beingbrought “under control”. Mr Hancock told a No 10 news conference that morethan four million people have now been vaccinated and that the over-70s andthe clinically vulnerable were now receiving the jab.

Hancock: Government up for 24-hour Covid vaccinations

Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government is "up for doing" 24-hour Covid vaccinations if "that is what is needed", however says the supply of the vaccine is the limiting factor. Report by Alibhaiz. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Hancock responds to free school meals criticism

Asked about the images of free school meal parcels shared on social media,Health Secretary Matt Hancock told BBC Breakfast: “Well, it’s clearlyinadequate, isn’t it? "The company’s apologised, and rightly so. "Frankly,this is one of the good things about social media, this could surface soquickly, and then colleagues in the Department for Education were on itstraight away. “And they spoke to the company immediately and the company haveapologised and it got sorted out."

Duke of Cambridge thanks NHS staff for vaccine work

The Duke of Cambridge spoke to frontline workers and volunteers from acrossthe UK via video call to hear more about their involvement in theadministration of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Medic appeals for public to stay at home over 'crucial weekend'

TV and NHS medic Dr Ranj Singh has urged members of the public to remain homeover the weekend, and encourages people not to bend the rules so as to helpstop the spread of Covid-19.

London hospital treating three times number Covid patients

A record number of Covid patients have died in the UK, with 1,564 deaths in a single day and hospital admissions topping 36,000. The pandemic has put colossal strain on the NHS and has seen one of the busiest Covid wards in the country at London's Royal Free Hospital treating three times the number of patients. Report by Browna. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

‘Covid vaccines safe; politics on issue is unfortunate’: Health Minister

Union Health minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan reiterated the two vaccines which have been granted approval for use in India are safe and effective. He added that some people are playing politics over the issue resulting in vaccine hesitancy among a section of the people. Harsh Vardhan said that the vaccines will be the last nail in the coffin of Covid. He also said that mild fever, pain and swelling are common after vaccination and added that very few people have shown these side-effects too. Questions have been raised about the safety of Covaxin which has not yet published any data from phase three clinical trials. Additionally, the government has also said that people will not get to choose a vaccine in the first phase. Watch the full video for all the details.

COVID vaccinations: Second shot delays not recommended by global health chiefs

International organisations are calling any breaks between the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine doses not to be extended beyond 21 days. Both Pfizer and Moderna also do not support the delay strategy touted by UK authorities.

Adverse events common, vaccination will be last nail in COVID-19 coffin: Harsh Vardhan

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said that adverse events by COVID-19 vaccine are common and vaccination will be the last nail in coffin of COVID-19. "The message is clear that vaccine is completely safe and effective. The adverse events or side effects surfacing are common and it can be seen after any vaccination," said Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan."The vaccination will be the last nail in the coffin of COVID-19. It is unfortunate that some people are spreading misinformation about the vaccination for political reasons. This has developed vaccine hesitancy in a small group of people," he added.