The number of coronavirus cases soared by another 7,490 just hours before Boris Johnson revealed his June 21 unlock decision.
This is the largest increase in cases on a Sunday since February 21, when 9,834 new infections were recorded.
The prime minister is widely expected to be preparing to delay “freedom day” by weeks or even a month, according to reports in recent days.
Officials fear the spread of the Indian variant could accelerate if restrictions are relaxed further.
Eight more deaths were reported today. As of Sunday, a total of 5,341 new cases and six additional deaths were reported.
In recent days, the numbers have surpassed the 7,000 daily new positive cases nationwide.
As of Saturday, 7,738 new cases and 12 deaths were reported.
Scientists have urged the government to give the vaccine rollout more time to curb the spread of the virus before other measures are relaxed.
(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
The fourth phase of Mr Johnson’s roadmap to come out of the lockdown is uncertain as the ‘Delta’ variant, which scientists say is even more virulent than the Kent strain, continues to increase the number of cases.
The strain is not believed to be more deadly than its predecessors, and a steady rise in daily cases and hospital admissions has not been accompanied by a sharp rise in deaths, reports The Mirror.
Health officials have acknowledged that the vaccine rollout has kept severe cases of the virus at bay, as more than three-quarters of the UK’s adult population have now received at least one dose.
Figures from Sunday show that more than 41.5 million people have received at least one dose of the vaccine and nearly 30 million have received two.
The Prime Minister has promised that every adult in the UK will be offered a jab by the end of July.
(Image: 2021 Getty Images)
Speaking at the G7 summit in Cornwall this week, Mr Johnson told Sky News he was less than optimistic about the June 21 unlock target.
He said he was ready to be “careful” on the fourth and final step of his roadmap to get out of lockdown.
The next phase of the easing of restrictions would see areas closed throughout the pandemic finally allowed to reopen.
The so-called “freedom day” would bring a return to nightclubs and large mass gatherings for cultural and sporting events.
The Prime Minister told the broadcaster it was “clear” that the Delta variant was “more transmissible” and was leading to the increase in the number of people hospitalized in the UK.
“Now we don’t know how exactly that is going to translate into additional mortality, but it is clearly a serious concern,” he said.
The PM admitted he was less optimistic now than he was at the end of May.
He hinted he could delay the next phase of easing Covid measures on Monday, telling Sky: ‘What we want to do is make sure the roadmap is irreversible – but you can’t have an irreversible roadmap unless you are prepared to be careful. “