Daily UK Covid cases climb over 4,000 for first time since March
153,000 deaths registered in the UK, according to the latest figures.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The UK recorded 4,182 lab-confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK on Friday — the highest number since the end of March — amid concerns at the spread of the Indian variant.
Although figures are low, Covid hotspots have reversed the downward trend enjoyed since the peak of the second wave in January.
The development came as the R rate of coronavirus infections crept above 1 in England. Data released on Friday by the Department of Health and Social Care and Scientific Sage put the figure between 1.0 and 1.1, up from between 0.9 and 1.1 last week.
Deaths of Covid patients in England’s hospitals have also begun to rise. In the week to 20 May, the total number of fatalities was 35. The number of deaths reached 42 in the week to 27 May.
However, there is positive news on vaccinations. A further 597,552 vaccinations have been administered in England, according to NHS England, taking the total to 53,286,560.
Of this daily figure, 223,510 were first doses while 374,042 people received a second shot.
This means a total of 20,777,366 people are now fully vaccinated, and 32,509,194 have had their initial jab.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments