More than 100,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the UK today, the highest daily figure since the start of the pandemic.
106,122 cases of the virus were reported in the most recent 24-hour period, higher than the previous record for daily infections of 93,045 cases (reported last Friday).
Wednesday also saw 140 deaths reported within 28 days of a positive COVID-19 test result. On Tuesday, a record number of booster and third coronavirus vaccine doses were delivered – totalling 968,665 for the day.
No new restrictions are to be imposed in England before Christmas, though ministers have been considering whether new restrictions may be required after Christmas. According to reports, a form of circuit breaker lockdown has been under consideration in England – while Wales and Scotland have both already announced tighter restrictions from Boxing Day.
Meanwhile on Wednesday, government advisers have said that vulnerable primary school children aged 5-11 years old should be offered a low-dose vaccination against COVID-19. It is not immediately clear which children may be eligible, or when vaccinations for these groups may start to be rolled out.
Self-isolation rules also changed in England on Wednesday, meaning people who have tested positive positive for COVID-19 will only need to self-isolate for seven days, instead of 10. The new guidance, effective from today, means that people who receive negative lateral flow tests on day six and day seven of their isolation can then leave isolation.
People who do end their isolation after seven days are though being encouraged to work from home and minimise contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness.
