THE Prime Minister has described the vaccine rollout as a step forward but insists this is not the time to relax.

During his address to the nation today Boris Johnson stated that it was a moment to accelerate the vaccine program and not to take the pressure off the virus.

However, the PM did not comment on any easing of current restrictions.  

Currently more than 15 million people have received their first dose of the vaccine and more than 90% of people have responded to offers from the NHS.

While 90% of those vaccinated were over 70, 60% of current hospital patients care are under 70.

The Prime Minister said: “Now is not a moment to relax. It is a moment to accelerate.

“The threat remains very real.

The program is going well, and we have rounds for confidence, however the vaccinations have only been running for a matter of weeks.

“We need to keep our foot on the floor.”

It has been announced that the initial steps for the second dose rollout will begin in mid to early March. Twelve weeks after the initial vaccine rollout.

The Government will also work to expand the program for young people living in care.

The number of recorded coronavirus cases in Cumbria increased by 280 over the weekend, according to official figures.

Across the UK, the number of recorded cases increased by 34,044 over the period to 4,047,843.

Cumbria's cases were among the 557,077 recorded across the North West, a figure which rose by 5,300 over the period.

Cumulative case counts include patients who are currently unwell, have recovered and those that have died.