COVID-19: More than 17 million people have received first jab – as deaths surpass 120,000

More than 17 million people in the UK have now received their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine, while the number of deaths has surpassed 120,000.

Another 445 people have died within 28 days of a positive COVID-19 test, according to the latest government figures, taking the total to 120,365. The deaths included a 16-year-old with no known underlying health conditions.

Live coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world

Saturday’s figures compare with 533 fatalities reported yesterday and 621 last Saturday.

There have also been another 10,406 confirmed cases, down from 12,027 yesterday and 13,308 last Saturday, taking the total recorded since the pandemic began to 4,105,675

The figure for the the number of vaccine doses given out now stands at 17,247,442 – an increase of 371,906. The number of people who have received their second coronavirus jab has hit 604,885, up from 589,591.

On Friday, it was confirmed that the UK’s coronavirus reproduction number – or R number – now stands at between 0.6 and 0.9, with 0.6 the lowest seen since the government first started publishing the figures in May 2020. This means that for every 10 people who have the virus, another six to nine people will become infected.

The figures for R and the growth rate are provided by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

Earlier on Saturday, the government announced that care home residents in England will be able to hold hands with one named visitor starting from 8 March. Regular visiting will also resume in Scottish care homes from early March, with residents allowed to have two designated visitors each.

It was also reported that Boris Johnson is still aiming to reopen all schools in England in March despite concerns from teachers and scientists, while a government source said the prime minister is also “looking at how we allow more social contact”.

An announcement on easing lockdown measures is due to be made on Monday.

In Wales, restrictions have been extended for three weeks, with some “very modest changes” allowing four people from two different households to exercise outdoors together.

And the government is also looking ahead to how the NHS will cope with routine treatment for non-COVID patients increasing once again.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told Sky News that burnt-out NHS staff will be offered more support from military medics.

Meanwhile, Prince Charles visited his father Prince Philip in hospital on Saturday. The Duke of Edinburgh’s illness is not COVID-related but it is believed to be the first time father and son have seen each other since before Christmas due to restrictions.

Both the Duke and the Queen had their COVID-19 vaccines in January, with Charles and his wife Camilla receiving their first doses earlier in February when their age group was called up.

(c) Sky News 2021: COVID-19: More than 17 million people have received first jab – as deaths surpass 120,000