HEALTH SECRETARY SAYS VACCINE CAN NOW BE OFFERED TO 42-YEAR-OLDS AND ABOVE IN ENGLAND

NHS England has lowered the age required for people to get a coronavirus vaccine for the second time this week, having previously been dropped to 44. 

Those who are due to turn 42 by the 1st of July are also eligible to make an appointment under this latest phase of the rollout.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock, 42, revealed the update on Twitter, expressing his excitement in being able to come forward for a vaccine himself.  

The new move will allow up to 1.3m more people to book their potentially life saving vaccine.

Greater Manchester hospitals have recorded zero deaths in the past week, although infection rates have risen slightly in Salford and three other areas within the region.

Despite schools, pubs and shops reopening, Salford has recorded only a marginal increase in cases but the public are being advised not to drop their guard and to continue to social distance and wear face masks where required.

Free rapid home test kits are available from the majority of chemists and at hubs around the city and the public is being asked to take regular tests to prevent further spread of the virus.

To date, the UK has vaccinated more than 33.7m people with their first dose and almost 12.9m with the second.

Mr Hancock said that the rollout had gone very very well, adding that now we are able to go that little bit further.

Social distancing guidelines still remain in place.