Delta variant cases up by 17% in a week
A total of 253,049 confirmed and probable cases of the COVID-19 Delta variant have now been identified in the UK, according to the latest figures from Public Health England.
This is up by 36,800 from 216,249 cases in the previous week, a rise of 17%.
Of the 253,049 cases, 209,926 have been in England, 32,708 in Scotland, 5,601 in Wales and 4,814 in Northern Ireland.
The Delta variant continues to account for approximately 99% of confirmed cases of coronavirus across the UK.
Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said: “Case rates are still high and rising, but it is encouraging that the increase in cases still does not appear to be associated with a similar increase in hospitalisations and deaths.
“This is testament to the continued success of the vaccination programme in reducing the incidence of severe disease. The best way to keep yourself and those around you safe is to get both doses of the vaccine as soon as you are eligible.
“However, while vaccines offer excellent protection, they do not completely eliminate risk.
“As we approach the end of restrictions, it is as important as ever that we continue to exercise caution. Take your free twice-weekly rapid tests and if you have symptoms, you should book a PCR test immediately and stay at home until you receive your result.”
