UK Covid deaths have risen by 191 amid a week-long six-month high.
A further 38,975 cases were also reported as fears of a “firebreak” lockdown in October increase.
It brings the total number of fatalities in the UK to 133,674.
And 7,094,592 have tested positive for the virus since the pandemic began.
It follows yesterday’s 209 coronavirus deaths – the highest daily number since March 9 when 231 Brits sadly lost their lives.
Both infections and fatalities have been surging for the last week, and relatively high since mid-August.
Deaths have even been high in young people, with experts describing the increasing numbers in teens and young adults as “striking”.
Cases in children are also 30 times higher than this time last year – just as kids go back to school.
It has sparked fears that the UK could enter another lockdown to help curb huge outbreaks.
Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahaw refused to rule out that Britain could face another lockdown in October if Covid cases surge again.
A government spokesman confirmed there are “contingency plans” in place but insisted they “would only be re-introduced as a last resort to prevent unsustainable pressure on the NHS”.
He added “it is not true” to suggest that ministers are actively “planning a lockdown or firebreak around the October half term”.
It comes as…
- Vaccine passports aren’t ruled out for pubs and restaurants
- Brits are warned to expect a ‘difficult few weeks’ as cases rise
- Covid booster jabs and vaccines for 12-year-olds are to be rolled out in days – and kids WILL be able to overrule parents
- A Brit mum, 57, was banned from Ryanair flight home from Italy as Covid test result says ‘negativo’ instead of ‘negative’
- Ministers urge civil servants to lead by example and return to the office
- Covid cases are rising in 220 local hotspots – as deaths surge 17% in a week
It would see schools close for an extra week for the autumn break, with mask-wearing and social distancing brought back in public places.
Travel restrictions could also be reimposed, although it is not thought a full shutdown and stay-at-home orders would be necessary.
Sajid Javid today moved to hose down fears the restrictions could be reintroduced, insisting he “hasn’t even thought about” it.
Meanwhile, government data up to September 7 shows that of the 91,940,381 Covid jabs given in the UK, 48,319,435 were first doses, a rise of 26,624 on the previous day.
Some 43,620,946 were second doses, an increase of 85,848.
More to follow…
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