‘Act like youve got it’: UK launches awareness campaign amid COVID-19 surge

The United Kingdom on Saturday released a series of advertisements as part of its new awareness initiative ‘Act like you’ve got it’, which warns people to act responsibly to stop the spread of COVID-19, reported AFP.

The campaign comes as the latest daily death toll from the novel coronavirus reached 1,325 deaths. According to the government, around one in three people infected with the virus do not have any symptoms and could therefore be passing it on without realising.

Also read: Britain approves Moderna’s COVID-19 jab

Requesting people to strictly follow the COVID-19 guidelines, Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday said that the disease continues to spread at an “alarming rate”.

“Our hospitals are under more pressure than at any other time since the start of the pandemic, and infection rates continue to soar at an alarming rate,” Johnson tweeted.

“The vaccine rollout has given us renewed hope, but it’s critical for now we stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives,” he added.

The warnings come a day after London Mayor Sadiq Khan declared an emergency in the UK capital because the coronavirus cases are “out of control” as latest figures revealed the infection rate in London has exceeded 1,000 per 100,000 people, with hospitals over-capacity with patients.

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock also issued a plea to “pull together for one final push”.

“I know how much we have all sacrificed already, but the new variant has significantly changed the current landscape and we absolutely cannot let up now,” he said.

Britain continues to be under strict nationwide lockdown, with stay-at-home orders in place for most people. The rules require people to be outdoors only for very limited reasons for one form of daily exercise, essential shopping or medical needs. Schools have been closed and moved on to remote learning, with the current rules likely to be in place at least until next month.