UK records 1,348 more coronavirus deaths
Public warned not to break rules after receiving vaccine - as they could still spread the virus
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Your support makes all the difference.The UK has reported another 1,348 deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test, bringing the official total to 97,329.
A further 33,552 cases of Covid-19 were also recorded, continuing the decrease since the record high of 68,000 on 8 January, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.
Meanwhile, a total of 5,861,351 people have received their first vaccine dose, with an increase of 478,278 reported on Friday – the highest daily figure so far.
The government’s Covid dashboard suggests that case numbers over the last seven days are down more than 20 per cent on the previous week, with patient admissions declining by 6 per cent over the same period.
However, weekly deaths are up by 13 per cent and the NHS remains overwhelmed, with 37,899 patients in hospital and 4,076 patients on ventilators, according to the latest figures.
The latest figures were released as scientists questioned the government’s decision to describe the new coronavirus variant as more deadly, with Public Health England medical director Dr Yvonne Doyle saying the evidence was not “absolutely clear”.
Boris Johnson revealed on Friday that evidence suggested there was a 1.3-fold increased risk of death compared with the old variant of coronavirus, although he sought to reassure the public that the vaccines were just as effective.
The prime minister acknowledged the risk of “another big rebound” if the lockdown is lifted too soon, saying: “We have got to get those rates of infection down. It’s not just a question of rolling out the vaccine.”
Deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam also warned people to keep following the rules after they have been vaccinated - as they could still spread the virus.
“Through the vaccination programme, millions of the most vulnerable to Covid-19 are being given significant protection from this virus - a fantastic achievement," he said.
“However, regardless of whether someone has had their vaccination or not, it is vital that everyone follows the national restrictions and public health advice, as protection takes up to 3 weeks to kick in and we don’t yet know the impact of vaccines on transmission.
“The vaccine is rightly something to celebrate - let’s stay patient, stay at home and support the NHS as it continues to roll out the vaccine.”
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