Coronavirus in numbers
The UK has recorded the highest number of daily coronavirus cases since the height of the country’s second wave in January.
A total of 48,553 cases were reported on 15 July, the highest tally since 15 January. A further 63 deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test were also recorded - the largest since 26 March.
The growing number of cases come ahead of England’s so-called “freedom day” on 19 July, when most of the remaining coronavirus will be lifted.
Boris Johnson has urged the public to continue to show caution ahead of the unlocking, warning against “throwing caution to the wind” and insisting the government still expected shoppers to wear masks.
