UK Department of Health vaccinated tests positive for COVID-19: Coronavirus updates: NPR

Sajid Javid, the top government official tasked with leading the UK’s response to coronavirus, announced Saturday He tested positive for COVID-19 after vaccination.

In a video posted on Twitter, the health minister said he learned of his results quickly Lateral flow testIt is generally used for people without symptoms of the coronavirus, and has been waiting for a more accurate PCR test while isolated at home.

Javid said he took the test on Saturday after “feeling a little groggy” the night before. He had both doses of AstraZeneca Vaccine He says his symptoms so far are “very mild”.

It comes as England prepares to roll back restrictions after one of the world’s strictest lockdowns.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson Announced earlier this month By Monday, face masking and social distancing requirements will be lifted, along with crowd limits at private gatherings, concerts and sporting events. In bars, patrons will again be allowed to order pints from the bar.

At the same time, injuries rose sharply. last week, 300,000 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK – an increase of 40% compared to the previous week.

The delta variable, which was found to spread 225% faster From the original version of the virus, it now represents more More than 90% of injuries in the country and is behind the high rates of spread of the Corona virus in some areas.

Two-thirds of British adults are fully vaccinated; Children are not yet eligible.

Javid supports national reopening. days before his positive test result, He said Vaccinations would build a “protective wall” to help “resist the summer wave”.

On Saturday, Javid encouraged non-vaccinated people to take their shots. He also recommended testing for COVID-19, regardless of vaccine status, if exposure to the disease is suspected or if symptoms are felt.

AstraZeneca He says his vaccine completely protects against death and is 92% effective against hospitalization from the delta variant.

Javid has been health minister for less than three weeks. Matt Hancock abruptly resigned last month after breaching coronavirus distancing rules. Hancock has been arrested In a teleconference kissing an aide.