The UK records 144 new Covid fatalities as 20 million get first jab

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”.

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.”

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