LONDON (Reuters) – Britain reported 10 deaths from COVID-19 in the 28 days after a positive test on Saturday, the lowest daily figure since early September, as the launch of the vaccine reached another milestone.
Official data also showed that 31,301,267 people had received their first injection of a COVID-19 vaccine, and five million have now received both doses in what is the fastest launch in Europe.
“Our spectacular vaccination program has delivered more than five million second doses, providing those most vulnerable to COVID, including half those over the age of 80, the best possible protection,” Health Minister Matt Hancock said in a statement. .
Britain remains on track to meet the government’s goal of offering a vaccine to everyone over 50 by mid-April and to all adults by the end of July, the government said.
The latest data also showed there were 3,423 new cases, a slight increase from the 3,402 reported the previous day, although unlike countries like France and Germany, which are battling a third wave of the coronavirus, infections in Britain have steadily declined. .
Tight lockdown measures in England began to ease on March 29 and Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to update the country with more details on lifting the restrictions on Monday, including whether outdoor hospitality can reopen on March 12. April as planned.
Reporting by Michael Holden Edited by Frances Kerry and David Holmes