Optimism amid decline in Covid infections
The number of daily new Covid infections has fallen in the past week, although the government and scientists remain cautious about declaring a turning point in the pandemic. Driven by the Delta variant, cases remain significantly higher than in the spring. Scientists say it will take several weeks to quantify the impact of the government’s removal of most restrictions on 19 July. The figures for 28 July show 27,734 people tested positive for Covid-19 across the UK, down from a high of 60,713 on 15 July. However, the numbers of patients admitted to hospital and deaths – which lag behind positive test results – have risen more modestly during the latest wave. Almost 47 million people have had a first shot of a Covid-19 vaccine. More than 37 million have had a second.
Mobility levels plateau despite ‘freedom day’
The number of trips taken on the UK’s roads and using public transport has remained broadly unchanged over the past month, despite the government removing most pandemic restrictions on 19 July. According to Apple mobility…
