The number of people estimated to have Covid-19 in England has dropped by 40 per cent in a week, according to new figures, prompting hopes that the UK will be able to continue lifting restrictions next month.
Data from the Office for National Statistics showed an estimated 54,200 people living in private households were likely to have tested positive for coronavirus in the week to 24 April, down from 90,000 in the previous week.
Paul Hunter, professor in medicine from the University of East Anglia, said the results showed that the roadmap for easing restrictions appeared to still be “on target” as there had been no sign of an increase in cases following the relaxation earlier this month.
Meanwhile, scientists have said that a “very low” number of vaccinated patients are being admitted to hospital, in what is seen as confirmation that the Covid-19 jabs are working as expected within the community.
The clinical trials used to assess the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines showed that they are capable of offering high levels of protection against infection, hospitalisation and death.
However, a small minority of people – particularly those who are frail, elderly and immunologically compromised – will not acquire protection against the coronavirus through vaccination, the trials demonstrated.
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