Hancock hopes Covid-19 testing helps Brits visit loved ones in care homes before Christmas

Matt Hancock hopes Covid-19 testing can be offered to enable people to visit their loved ones in care homes across the country before Christmas. Public Health England boss Dr Susan Hopkins said that Tier one restrictions didn’t work on Monday, which could see family Christmas dinners under threat. Harsher rules are needed to ensure a safe Christmas for Brits, the boss of Public Health England has warned. Dr Hopkins said tonight: "We see very little effect from Tier 1. "When we look at what the Tiers may be in the future, we will have to think about strengthening them in order to get us through the winter months until the vaccine is available for everyone." Tier 2 was only working in some areas - but Tier 3 was driving down cases in the North West, she said. Following Health Secretary Matt Hancock’s announcement that the government bought 5 million doses of the 94.5% effective Moderna vaccine, ministers’ attention is turning to what they think could be a pre-Christmas game-changer. Government officials expect positive news soon for the Oxford vaccine to be ready for rollout alongside the Pfizer jab in December. Ministers signed the deal with Moderna minutes before Hancock announced it at his press Monday evening conference. The government had been in discussions with the US company for months but wanted to see the “Phase 3” results before agreeing on a deal. When those results came through at midday yesterday, Hancock, Business Secretary Alok Sharma, Cabinet Office Minister Theodore Agnew and vaccine task force boss Kate Bingham hit Zoom and rushed through an agreement with Moderna. From Brexit breaking news to HD movie trailers, The Sun newspaper brings you the latest news videos and explainers from the UK and around the world. Stay informed on the dynamic world of UK politics with The Sun. We’ll bring you updates on Keir Starmer and the Labour party, major policy decisions, parliamentary debates and electoral developments, including local and general elections. Understand the impact of current events on the UK economy, public services - and how they’ll affect you. Follow updates on the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers and opposition leaders as they navigate crucial issues such as tax, inflation, public sector strikes and international relations. Subscribe now for all the latest in UK politics. The Sun brings you breaking news and in-depth analysis on the stories that matter most. From the ongoing war in Ukraine to conflicts in the Middle East and US and UK politics, we post updates as they happen. Expect the latest on major global events, pressing political debates, celebrity updates and exclusive royal family content, along with in-depth investigations and expert commentary. Get comprehensive coverage of Donald Trump's Presidency, Vladimir Putin's actions, and the unfolding drama of the British Royal Family. Subscribe now for daily updates and exclusive content from The Sun. https://www.youtube.com/c/thesun?sub_... Read The Sun: https://bit.ly/3Tay1OY Like The Sun on Facebook:   / thesun   Follow The Sun on TikTok:   / ucizxayrp7-p0anpq-nd-h5g   Subscribe to The Sun on Snapchat:   / 1633225139