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COVID-19: UK reports 16,703 new coronavirus cases and 21 more deaths | UK News

The UK has reported 16,703 new cases of COVID-19 and 21 other coronavirus-related deaths in the last 24-hour period, according to government data.

The numbers compare to 16,135 infections and 19 deaths announced yesterday, and 11,007 cases and 19 deaths at the same time last week.

Meanwhile, another 207,647 people received their first dose of a COVID vaccine yesterday, while 167,988 received a second.

This means that a total of 43,656,327 first vaccines have been administered in the UK, while 31,908,103 people have been fully vaccinated.

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It comes as Government Minister George Eustice told Sky News there would be no “legal obligation” to wear a face mask once the coronavirus restrictions in England are lifted.

The deadline for the next easing of restrictions was postponed from June 21 to July 19, following the increase in cases of the Delta variant, detected for the first time in India.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the month-long delay would allow more people to be offered the COVID vaccine.

He indicated that there is a “Real opportunity” to “open the journey with the jab”.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a visit to the National Institute for Organic Standards in South Mimms, Hertfordshire
Picture:
Mr Johnson delayed easing restrictions so more people could get vaccinated

An update to government travel guidelines was also announced, with Malta and the Balearics – including Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera – added to the green list without quarantine.

Earlier Thursday, Public Health England said COVID cases continued to rise in all parts of the country.

The Northwest has the highest rate, with 238.9 cases per 100,000 population in the seven days to June 20.

This is the region’s highest rate since the week ending January 31.

The second highest figure was found in the northeast, with 173.6 cases per 100,000 people.

Case rates continue to be highest in younger parts of the population, while older generations – who were …

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Source: news.sky.com
This notice was published: 2021-06-24 13:19:00

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