Weekly positive tests fall for first time since July

THE number of people testing positive for Covid-19 in a week has fallen for the first time since early July.

Some 6,115 cases were reported to August 19 – down eight per cent compared with the previous week, according to NHS Test and Trace figures.

This was despite a two per

cent rise in tests. However, a further 1,522 cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the UK yesterday, the highest daily increase in 11 weeks. The daily totals have crept up recently, sparking

fears that easing lockdown has led to a rise in community transmission.

The mixed news came as a further 12 deaths were announced, including 10 in England and one each in Wales and Northern Ireland. Britain’s coronavirus death toll now stands at 41,477.