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British authorities want to vaccinate up to four million citizens against Corona before the end of the year. In a first phase, medical personnel and people over 80 years of age are immunized.
London. Almost a day is as deeply etched into the psyche of the British as V-Day. If the V previously represented Victory, victory in World War II and forever symbolized by the triumphant gesture of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the V now (also) represents the vaccine: exactly 6.31 am local time yesterday, Tuesday. 90. Margaret Keenan, age one, received the country’s first vaccination against coronavirus at Coventry University Hospital. It was followed by 81-year-old William Shakespeare. Instead of “Oh, poor Yorick,” as “Hamlet” calls it, the motto now is: “Oh, poor Covid!”
In a logistical effort reminiscent of military companies, British authorities have brought 800,000 doses of the Pfizer / Biontech vaccine into the country since the vaccine was approved a week ago. The first beneficiaries are medical personnel and citizens over 80 years of age. The vaccines are administered in hospitals and medical clinics. By the end of the year, the authorities hope to be able to vaccinate up to four million citizens.
Self-isolation at Windsor Castle
Among them, according to reports, are Queen Elizabeth, 94, and her husband, Prince Philip, 99. They are both in self-isolation at Windsor Castle. This year the traditional Christmas dinner should be omitted in the family circle. In view of the Windsor clan’s long feud with Prince Harry and his wife Megan, he might be the best option anyway. On the other hand, up to three families can get together during the holidays for the traditional Christmas lunch. After indulging in turkey, chips, cabbage, stilton, crackers, and port, you may be able to retreat to the next episode of the Netflix series “The Crown.” The youngest season has been greeted with such enthusiasm these days that concerned historians warn not to confuse the feature film cycle with a documentary.
The country, on the other hand, is not in the dreamland of fantasy, but in harsh reality with Corona. Prime Minister Boris Johnson insisted on attending one of the first vaccinations in a hospital, but warned: “We have not yet defeated the virus.” Health Minister Matt Hancock called for distance rules to be followed.
Fear of a new wave of infections
Britain’s death toll from corona has exceeded 75,000, according to the Press Association news agency. After the relaxation of Christmas, even optimists expect a new wave of infections. But by then vaccination should fix everything: approval of the vaccine by the University of Oxford is expected in the next few days. It’s cheaper, faster to use, and you don’t need a booster shot after 21 days like the Biontech-Pfizer vaccine. “I have high hopes for 2021,” Hancock said.
Despite the devastating imprint of the crown, Britain has been celebrating with patriotic exuberance since the approval of the first vaccine a week ago. Unsurprisingly, Brexit supporters found the key to success by exiting the EU. Unsurprisingly, none of this resisted reality: the vaccine was approved under the delegated authority of the European Medicines Agency, the active ingredient is the result of German-Turkish-American cooperation, and is now manufactured in Belgium. “Made in Europe,” Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo responded dryly yesterday to another round of British self-praise. Margaret Keenan asked her fellow citizens to also get vaccinated: “If I can do it, anyone can.” According to a survey by the ITV station, 23 percent reject a vaccine. However, Prime Minister Johnson recently ruled out mandatory vaccination: “That’s not our way.”
(“Die Presse”, print edition, December 9, 2020)
