Boris Johnson has said that he will move “heaven and earth” to roll out the vaccine so restrictions can “recede into the past” by spring.

The Prime Minister told a Downing Street press conference that the Government is working “as fast as we can” to get the programme running.

"I don't want to give you specific numbers at the moment, but I can tell you we are shifting heaven and earth to roll them out as fast as we can,” he said.

Earlier today the Oxford vaccine was been approved for use in the UK with the first doses available from Monday.

He said that he hoped, with the help of vaccines, restrictions would have "receded into the past" by the spring.

It came as millions more adults and children saw tougher restrictions on their lives and schooling.

Earlier today Matt Hancock announced that an additional 20 million people will move into Tier 4 from tomorrow, meaning 44 million people, or 78% of the population of England, will see the toughest restrictions.

The Education Secretary also revealed that there will be delays in some primary and secondary school children returning to teaching, with many children not returning until January 18.

Read the full updates here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/coronavirus-news-tier-4-announcement-covid-restrictions-oxford/

00:00 Matt Hancock announces most of the UK will go into Tier 4
00:49 Boris Johnson praises new vaccine
02:07 Mr Johnson summarises the current situation
02:56 Mr Johnson explains how schools will be affected next month
04:57 Jonathan Van-Tam warns the public about the numbers yet to be announced from Christmas and the dangers of New Year's Eve


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