Covid: UK records more than 50,000 daily coronavirus cases for first time in more than six months

Is it really safe for everything in England to open up on Monday? ITV News Political Correspondent Libby Wiener reports.

More than 51,870 new Covid-19 cases have been recorded in the UK, the highest figure in more than six months.

Also, in the 24 hours to 9am on Friday, the country recorded another 49 coronavirus deaths within 28 days of a positive test, brining the death toll to 128,642.

The 51,870 new Covid cases are the first time that the UK has passed the 50,000 figure since January 15 when the country reported a further 55,761 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus.

Despite the high number of coronavirus cases reported on Friday, deaths remain relatively low, with vaccines weakening the link between someone catching Covid and becoming seriously ill or dying.

While a similar number of cases were reported on Friday to January 15, 49 deaths were recorded, compared to the 1,280 deaths then.

The latest figures available show that on Monday, 717 patients were admitted to hospital with Covid, compared to 3,677 on January 15.

Separate figures published by the Office for National Statistics show there have now been 154,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

Figures from the Department of Health show that in the last seven days, Covid cases have risen by 34.9%, this comes just days ahead of the government's plan to end almost all coronavirus restrictions in England on Monday.

Late on Thursday, England's chief medical officer warned that the UK is “not out of the woods yet” and the public should approach the end of coronavirus restrictions with caution.

Professor Chris Whitty said that the number of people in hospital with Covid-19 is currently doubling about every three weeks and could reach “quite scary numbers” if the trend continues.

He added that the key on July 19 was “to take things incredibly slowly”, adding that he fully expected most people to continue to take precautions.

England

A further 47,360 Covid cases were recorded in England in the 24 hours to 9am on Friday and another 42 deaths were reported.

Scotland

Scotland saw another 2,047 coronavirus cases and reported five further deaths.

Wales

Two further Covid deaths were reported in Wales and another 1,083 cases were recorded.

Northern Ireland

No Covid deaths were reported in Northern Ireland in the 24 hours to 9am Friday but another 1,380 cases were recorded.

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