British health minister apologizes for telling people not to 'cower from' COVID

British health minister Sajid Javid apologized for a now-deleted tweet Sunday, which encouraged citizens to get vaccinated and not to "cower from" the virus.

The big picture: Javid's tweet faced criticism over his choice of words: A victims' group said his comments were "deeply insensitive," according to the BBC.

• British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced earlier this month, England would no longer be required by law to wear face masks, saying that Britain will have to "learn to live with this virus," as the country has faced a surge in cases.

What they're saying: "I was expressing gratitude that the vaccines help us fight back as a society, but it was a poor choice of word and I sincerely apologise." Javid wrote in a tweet Sunday.

• "Like many, I have lost loved ones to this awful virus and would never minimise its impact," he continued.