The number of coronavirus-related deaths fell by 33.5 per cent on Sunday as the UK recorded another 144 fatalities.
A total of 6,035 new infections were also recorded, a decrease of 21.2 per cent since last week.
Last Sunday 9,834 people tested positive for the virus with 215 deaths recorded.
The grim UK death toll now stands at 122,849.
The Government statistics are usually lower on a Sunday which may give the impression of a steeper drop off in infections and deaths.
The latest figures come as more than 20 million people in the UK have now been given their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine, the Government has said.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on social media that it was a “huge national achievement” and praised the NHS staff, volunteers and armed forces for their work in the vaccine rollout.
He tweeted: “20 million people across the UK have now got the jab – a huge national achievement and a testament to the tireless work of NHS staff, volunteers, the Armed Forces & many more.
“I urge everyone to get the jab when called. Every jab makes a difference in our battle against Covid.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said vaccinating more than 20 million people against coronavirus was a “magnificent achievement for the country”.
I’m delighted more than 20 million people across the UK have now been vaccinated.
— Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) February 28, 2021
A magnificent achievement for the country.
The vaccine is our route out. When you get the call, get the jab! pic.twitter.com/HCwxpqn7RN
In a video on his Twitter, Mr Hancock said: “I’m absolutely delighted that over 20 million people have now been vaccinated across the UK – it’s absolutely fantastic.
“I want to thank every single person who’s come forward to get the jab because we know with increasing confidence that the jab protects you, it protects your community and it also is the route out of this for all of us.”
Mr Hancock urged everyone eligible for the vaccine to come forward and added: “Every jab in the arm is another life soon to be protected from this awful disease and means we are a step closer to returning to our normal lives.”
The promising news came as sun-starved Brits flocked to parks and beaches despite government advice urging people to stay at home.
Jonathan Van-Tam said it is up to the public to hold their nerve and obey coronavirus restrictions in order to not risk a longer lockdown.
England’s deputy chief medical officer told the Downing Street press conference: “I do worry that people think it’s all over.
“The more they think that when it’s not, the greater the headwind they’re going to give to the vaccine programme and the more at risk will become the milestones set on the road map.
“It is actually up to us whether we can hold our nerve and see this through properly to the end of the road map or whether we’re going to fall at the last furlong.”
Boris Johnson has said he is “very optimistic” that he will be able to fully remove all of England’s coronavirus restrictions on June 21 but warned “nothing can be guaranteed”.
