UK coronavirus cases today grew by 11,299 as 608 more fatalities were recorded.
The total number of Covid infections across the UK now sits at 1,538,794.
This time last week, UK deaths rose by 598 while another 20,051 people tested positive for coronavirus.
It comes as…
- MPs are battling to stop their areas from being shoved into the tough Tier 3 restrictions
- Sadiq Khan said London would probably be put into Tier 2
- Experts warned the loss of taste or smell is the most common symptom of coronavirus
- Cops busted a Come Dine With Me-style dinner party that broke lockdown rules
- Brits are facing a triple whammy of Christmas organisation over the festive period
The numbers come as the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics reported the highest number of weekly deaths involving Covid since May.
The ONS reported there had been 2,466 deaths involving coronavirus in England and Wales in the week ending November 13.
It’s the first time the figure has risen above 2,000 since May and marks an increase of 529 from the previous week.
Last night, Boris Johnson urged the country to continue to follow the rules as Christmas and New Year’s approaches – warning we aren’t out of the woods yet.
The national lockdown is expected to end on December 2, with the PM to announce which tiers will apply to which area on Thursday.
Mr Johnson has already warned that much of England will be placed in Tiers 2 and 3 as infection rates remain high across the country.
It comes as the Oxford vaccine was shown to be able to be 90 per cent effective if an initial half dose is given followed by a full dose a month later.
It’s not clear why, but the team think it could be that a smaller dose may be a better way of kicking the immune system into action.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) would now assess if the 90 per cent effectiveness dosing regime could be used.
The UK has placed orders for 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine – enough to vaccinate most of the population – with rollout expected in the coming weeks if the jab is approved.
Mr Hancock added that Brits could expect to see life return to normal by Easter next year.
