UK CORONAVIRUS DAILY CASES PASS 50,000 FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE JANUARY

Sat 17 July 2021:

Britain has recorded more than 50,000 new daily coronavirus cases, the highest number since mid-January, according to official data released on Friday.

The country reported another 51,870 coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour period, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 5,332,371, official figures showed.

The country also recorded another 49 coronavirus-related deaths. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain now stands at 128,642. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test.

The British government has confirmed that most Covid-19 restrictions in England will end on Monday as part of the final step or Step Four of England’s roadmap out of the lockdown.

Friday’s data showed 67.5% of British adults had received two vaccine doses, while 87.6% had received at least one dose. Most of those who are unvaccinated are younger people who only gained access to vaccines recently.

Curbs about to ease

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the time is right to lift most remaining restrictions, due to a weaker link between case numbers and subsequent hospitalisation or death, Reuters reported.

From Monday nightclubs in England can reopen and pubs, bars and restaurants will be able to pack in more customers.

A legal requirement to wear masks on English public transport and in shops will also go, although many transport operators and stores have said they will require or strongly advise customers and passengers to continue doing so.

The government’s chief medical advisor, Chris Whitty, warned earlier on Friday that England could quickly slip back into crisis.

“I don’t think we should underestimate the fact that we could get into trouble again surprisingly fast,” he said.

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