Boris Johnson urges NYE partygoers to take tests despite glaring shortages

The circus continues with yet another facepalm moment at the hands of Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Some of the UK breathed a sigh of relief earlier this week after hearing no new restrictions would be put in place before 2022. It means New Years celebrations can go ahead as planned in England with little to no interruptions.

At the end of every cheer, as has much of the last two years, comes a sigh, though. The relief of being able to party does seem a little short-lived as Johnson has encouraged everyone to enjoy the festivities in a “cautious and sensible way” despite alarmingly low levels of lateral flow tests available throughout the UK.

Perhaps even more disappointingly, the Government website reports no PCR tests available for people, including key workers in England and Northern Ireland – much like the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting has expressed his concerns, labelling the situation as a “total shambles” caused by “the Conservative government’s incompetence”.

In light of shortages – the UK Health Security Agency says tests may be temporarily unavailable on the Government website at points throughout the day due to “exceptionally high demand” and urge people not to order more tests before using the ones they have.

In a year of political howlers, you can’t help but feel glad to see the back of 2021. Here’s to a much different 2022.

From all of us here at Mr. Afterparty, stay safe and have a truly deserved blowout for the history books this New Years Eve!