Health services across the UK have now administered a total of 47,045,391 million vaccines between 8 December and 26 April, including 33,843,580 million people with their first dose and 13,201,811 million with their second.
The milestone means one in four adults in the UK has received the strongest possible protection against COVID-19 and it comes as the NHS is now inviting 42 and 43-year-olds to get their jab.
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said, “This latest milestone is a terrific cause for celebration.
“Over a quarter of all adults across the UK, including those most vulnerable to COVID-19, have now had two jabs, meaning they have received the strongest possible protection.
The South Down MP was commenting following confirmation from the Fire & Rescue Service on Monday that they believe the fire was started deliberately.
Chris Hazzard said, “The Mournes’ fire covered nearly four square kilometres; required more than 100 firefighters; Coastguard air support; and extensive multi-agency community response.
“Significantly however it also devastated wildlife habitat; poisoned our water and air; and released damaging greenhouse gases.
“While nobody will be surprised that the fire was deliberate, the fact that somebody would act in such a reckless and careless manner is sickening.
“Fundamentally a cultural shift is required on the burning of land for agricultural purposes,” he continued.
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Health Minister Robin Swann has been in discussions with Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock on the situation.
Minister Swann said, “A humanitarian crisis is unfolding and providing support is undoubtedly the right thing to do.
“Oxygen supply is under severe stress in India’s health system.
“The oxygen generation units are each capable of providing 500 litres of oxygen per minute and I sincerely hope these units can help save lives.”
Following receipt of funding from the Department of Health, a number of oxygen generation component parts were procured by Belfast Health and Social Care Trust on behalf of the Northern Ireland health service last year, as part of the regional response to the COVID pandemic.