UK coronavirus cases down a THIRD in a week as 12,330 test positive and daily deaths drop with 205 more fatalities

UK coronavirus cases are down by a third in a week after new 12,330 infections were recorded in the past 24 hours.

A further 205 people have died from Covid-19 a slight decrease from yesterday’s tally of 215.

Coronavirus infections continue to fall as this time last week 15,450 people tested positive for coronavirus.

The number of patients being admitted to hospital with Covid-19 are also falling.

Yesterday, there were 12,155 new infection and 215 further deaths – which may be explained with a lag in weekend reporting.

NHS England have reported a further 183 coronavirus deaths, bringing the grim tally to 40,588.

There have been a further 802 cases of coronavirus in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 80,342.

Public Health Wales reported another three deaths, taking the total since the start of the pandemic to 2,540.

It comes as:

• Scotch egg DOES count as a ‘substantial meal’ in Tier 2
• All the Christmas rules explained here
• Pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes in Wales must CLOSE daily at 6pm
• Covid cop cars will stop Devon drinkers descending on Tier 1 Cornwall

Today Scotland recorded three deaths from coronavirus and 369 positive tests in the past 24 hours. It brings the death toll to 3,725.

It comes after a minister warned today that Brits may be banned from pubs and football matches unless they’ve had the Covid jab.

New vaccines tsar Nadhim Zahawi said today that businesses may want to insist that people coming into their restaurants and venues have had the jab.

Ministers are already looking at giving Brits an “immunity passport” which reveals their vaccination status.

But jetting a jab won’t be compulsory, the Government has repeatedlu said.

32 million Brits set to be stuck in Tier 2 restrictions this week are allowed to finish up the bottle at pubs and restaurants- but then they have to leave.

People are not allowed to meet up with people from other households anywhere indoors, including hospitality settings.

They are able to see other people who they don’t live with in beer gardens or outdoor seating.

Pubs and restaurants will have to close altogether in Tier 3.