CORONAVIRUS cases in the UK have passed nine million since the pandemic began with 41,278 more infections recorded in the past 24 hours.
The latest government figures also show that a further 166 people died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19.
The total number of infections in the UK since the pandemic started currently stands at 9,019,962.
Government figures also show 140,558 people died within 28 days of a positive test, while the total number of fatalities with Covid-19 mentioned on the death certificate is 163,515.
Yesterday, the UK reported 43,467 coronavirus cases and 186 deaths.
Last Saturday, the number of infections was 44,985, with today’s figure representing an 8.2 per cent week-on-week drop.
A week ago, 135 Covid-related deaths were registered in the country, meaning today’s data show a 23 per cent week-on-week increase.
It comes as Boris Johnson was urged to implement his Plan B over autumn and winter to tackle Covid-19 amid a rising number of infections and deaths.
But the Prime Minister is reluctant to bring back masks and working from home, as well as imposing vaccine passports over the sky-high cost to businesses.
Plan B would mean bringing back some of the measures seen during the various lockdowns, while the current Plan A focuses on continuing with the vaccine roll-out.
Leaked papers drawn up officials at the Cabinet Office and Treasury predict Plan B would cost up to £3.6bn a month.
According to the documents, obtained by Politico, working from home would cause the biggest hit to businesses.
Meanwhile, millions more Brits may become eligible for their booster jabs earlier than expected as ministers relaxed the rules around who can get them.
Health bosses will give the green light for more older and vulnerable people to get their top-up jabs even if it has not yet been six months since their last dose.
GPs and health professionals will be able to dish them out to anyone over the five-month mark if they decide it makes operational sense.
BOOSTER JABS
It will allow care home residents who have been jabbed at different times to get their top-up dose in the same session.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “This updated guidance will ensure healthcare professionals have the necessary flexibility in the booster programme, allowing more vulnerable people to be vaccinated where it makes operational sense to do so – including our loved ones in care homes.”
The PM added: “Vaccine protection falls over time, and the booster will top up your immunity for the winter months. Please come forward to get the jab when it’s your turn.”
Those eligible for a booster include all over-50s, people with underlying health conditions, health workers, care home residents and those who live with immunosuppressed individuals.
