THE number of daily Covid cases in the UK has dropped by almost 30 per cent in a week just as Boris Johnson unveils his winter plan.
A further 26,628 infections have been recorded in the latest 24 hour period, compared to 37,489 reported on September 7.
It brings the total number of people who have tested positive for the virus since the pandemic began to 7,283,187.
The UK's coronavirus death toll also increased by 185, with 134,446 fatalities in total.
The death roll is a rise on yesterday's 61 deaths, and up from the 48 recorded a fortnight ago on August 30.
But the number of infections has dropped by 29 per cent in the last week.
The latest government figures come as the UK revealed its Covid plan for the winter months.
The PM has unveiled a "toolbox" of tough contingency measures that could be imposed at short notice to wrestle down a fresh spike.
He told a Downing Street briefing the plan will "give us the confidence that we don't need to go back to the lockdowns of the past".
Speaking in the Commons earlier, Health Secretary Sajid Javid laid out the five-pronged strategy to keep the virus at bay as the NHS enters its seasonal surge.
🔵 Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest updates
It includes a vaccine booster blitz, test and trace, pumping £5billion into the NHS for the next six months, a flu jab campaign and keeping robust border controls.
The PM said: "The result of this vaccination campaign is we have one of the most free societies and one of the most open economies in Europe.
"That's why we're now sticking with our strategy. In essence, we're going to keep going."
PLAN B
Mr Javid revealed the Government's Plan B in case hospitals risk being swamped and cases spiral out of control.
He told MPs: "We have seen how quickly this virus can adapt and change so we have prepared a Plan B of contingency measures that we can call upon only if they are needed and supported by the data to prevent unsustainable pressure on the NHS."
They include legally mandating face masks in crowded settings, stressing the need for caution and ordering people to work from home.
While hated vaccine passports will be shelved for now – Mr Javid warned they could be suddenly introduced with a week's notice.
Covid certification would then be required for all nightclubs, any indoor venue with more than 500 people, any outdoor settings with more than 1,000 people.
Mr Javid also laid out the Government's five-pronged Plan A to keep the virus at bay as the NHS enters its seasonal surge.
It includes a vaccine booster blitz, test and trace, pumping £5billion into the NHS for the next six months, a flu jab campaign and keeping robust border controls.
The PM said: "The result of this vaccination campaign is we have one of the most free societies and one of the most open economies in Europe.
"That's why we're now sticking with our strategy. In essence, we're going to keep going."
Doomster scientists are worried the NHS could be swamped with a Covid surge in the colder months as well as the usual seasonal flu outbreak.
Deputy chief medical officer Prof Jonathan Van Tam today warned this winter could be "bumpy".
Outlining a perfect storm, Mr Javid said: "We must be vigilant as autumn and winter have favourable conditions for Covid-19 and other seasonal viruses.
"Children have returned to school, more people are returning to work.
"The changing weather means that there will be more people perhaps spending time indoors, and there's likely to be a lot of non-Covid demand on the NHS including flu or norovirus."
There is also concern that vaccine effectiveness against the Delta variant may be fading for older people who got jabbed at the start of the year.
Lockdown-hating Tory MPs were angry with the possibility of tighter measures returning in the coming months.
Former minister Sir Desmond Swayne erupted with a howl of anguish as Mr Javid warned that legal face coverings may be reimposed.
Ex-Cabinet Minister Esther McVey railed against "hugely damaging lockdowns and restrictions".
A Tory rebellion is mounting against the PM's wish to keep his emergency Covid powers – that allows him to plunge the country into lockdown.
BOOST FOR BRITAIN
Boffins from the JCVI held a separate press conference this morning fleshing out the details for the booster campaign.
Over-70s and the most vulnerable are expected to be jabbed first before descending in age order.
Last night the PM rolled the pitch to warn we'll still be living with Covid for the foreseeable future.
He said: "The pandemic is far from over, but thanks to our phenomenal vaccine programme, new treatments and testing we are able to live with the virus without significant restrictions on our freedoms.
"Today I will set out a clear plan for the autumn and winter, when the virus has a natural advantage, to protect the gains we have made."
Source: Read Full Article