The UK has recorded its lowest daily rise in coronavirus cases so far this year, with 22,195.
The last time the number of cases by date reported was lower than that was 15 December, according to the government’s coronavirus data dashboard.
While there is usually a reporting lag over and immediately after the weekend, resulting in lower increases, it’s also well down on yesterday’s figure of 30,004 and the 37,535 posted last Monday.
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Another 592 deaths within 28 days of a positive COVID-19 test result have also been recorded, compared to 610 yesterday and 599 last Monday. It brings the total to 98,531.
It is the lowest number of deaths on a Monday reported since 21 December, when 567 fatalities were recorded and 47,389 cases were added.
It is the lowest Monday for cases since 7 December, when 21,346 cases and 419 deaths were reported.
It comes after Boris Johnson said earlier that data on when lockdown restrictions can start to be eased will be assessed before mid-February.
The R number, which estimates the growth rate of the pandemic, currently sits at between 0.8 and 1 – suggesting the virus may be on the decline as lockdown begins to take effect.
However, Health Secretary Matt Hancock suggested at a Downing Street news briefing this evening that it was too early to consider easing any of the measures.
Mr Hancock also warned that vaccine supply was becoming “tight”, as he announced that almost four in five over-80s had received a first dose.
As of Sunday 24 January, 7,044,048 total vaccination shots have been given.
A total of 6,573,570 people have had their first jab – a rise of 220,249 compared to the previous day’s figures.
This is a drop of 271,721 compared to Saturday, but the seven-day average for first dose administration is 358,724.
Another 818 second jabs were given on Sunday, meaning 470,478 people have now had both injections.