Infections at highest level for 2 months

CORONAVIRUS cases in the UK are at their highest level for two months, official figures show.

A further 1,441 positive tests were reported yesterday, with a steady rise in infections since the start of August.

Cases have increased by 65 per cent over the past week and yesterday’s total was the highest since June 14 (1,514), but figures are still well down on the 5,000 daily cases in April.

Despite the growth in infections, ministers are today pressing ahead with a further relaxation of lockdown. Beauty salons, tattoo parlours and bowling alleys can all open this weekend for the first time since March.

It follows a warning from Professor Chris Whitty at the end of July that England had ‘reached near the limit’ of lifting strict social distancing rules.

Since then, daily coronavirus cases have increased from 600 in mid-July to more than 1,000 for the past four days.

If infections continue to increase, it is likely that certain lockdown measures will have to be reintroduced. The rising infection levels suggest the UK may be following the trajectory of other European countries, which are now battling a resurgence of the virus.

Reassuringly, deaths remain low. A further 1 were reported yesterday, and there has also been no increase in hospital admissions.

Linda Bauld, professor of public health at the University of Edinburgh, said: ‘Questions do need to be asked about the wisdom of this next stage of lockdown easing in England. Indoors is riskier than outdoors, particularly where face coverings are not required.’