Daily Covid cases soar to highest since February as India variant spreads

Boris Johnson is expected to announced a delay to the end of lockdown in a 6pm televised briefing

Alastair Jamieson
Monday 14 June 2021 17:23 BST
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People sit at outdoor tables at a restaurant in Soho, in London, on Monday as coronavirus cases hit the highest daily rate since February.
People sit at outdoor tables at a restaurant in Soho, in London, on Monday as coronavirus cases hit the highest daily rate since February. (AP)

Daily reported Covid cases have risen to their highest level since the end of February, as the Delta variant continues to spread.

A further 7,742 lab-confirmed cases were recorded on Monday, with three deaths.

It is the highest figure since 25 February.

It comes as another 147,228 people have got their first jab and181,121 have got their second.

Government data up to Sunday shows 71,672,208 vaccinations given in the UK so far.

Meanwhile, more support for surge testing, tracing, isolation and maximising vaccine uptake will be deployed in Birmingham, Blackpool, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Liverpool City Region and Warrington.

The support package, which is the same as was announced for Greater Manchester and Lancashire last week, is being provided after a number of cases of the Delta variant were detected in the areas, a government spokesman said.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “We are doing everything we can to stop the spread of the Delta variant, and working with local authorities, we are providing a strengthened package of support in areas where cases of the variant are increasing.

“We know this approach has made a real impact in south London and in Bolton where we have seen it stall rising cases.

“I urge people living these areas to get tested, come forward for your vaccine as soon as you are eligible and make sure to get the all-important second jab - that is how we will beat this virus.”

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