Covid: UK cases rise by 40 per cent in last week
The number of Covid-19 cases in the UK has increased by more than 40 per cent over the last week as the virus spreads rapidly amid the easing of lockdown restrictions.
The UK recorded 46,558 new positive cases today, according to the latest official figures, up 40.7 per cent compared to the same day last week.
A further 96 deaths were also recorded within 28 days of a positive test.
In total 46.3m Brits have now received their first dose of the Covid vaccine, while 36.2m are fully jabbed.
The sharp increase in cases comes amid concerns about a fresh wave of infections following the easing of lockdown measures this week.
Chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance yesterday warned hospitalisations could rise above 1,000 per day over the summer as the virus spreads more rapidly.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is currently in self-isolation after being pinged by the NHS app, had previously promised that the final stage of lockdown easing would be “irreversible”.
However, he has already said vaccine certificates will be made compulsory in venues such as nightclubs by the end of September – marking a tightening of freedoms that came into effect yesterday.
The government’s scientific experts have also warned that lockdown measures could be reintroduced later in the year if cases continue to climb.
It comes amid confusion over the government’s policy on self-isolation rules after London minister Paul Scully said it was up to employers and employees to decide.
Up to 1m people are currently supposed to be in isolation, though Downing Street today said vital businesses that maintain the supply of food or medicines, like supermarkets and pharmacies, could be eligible for an exemption.