Coronavirus UK: 17,555 cases recorded and 498 further deaths

The UK’s weekly infection rate drops by 25% as the latest daily figures are revealed. 

In the past week, there have been 121,306 cases of coronavirus recorded, a 25.6% drop on the week before, which saw 163,061 infections.

The figures come as 17,555 cases were recorded in the last 24 hours along with 498 further deaths.

It comes despite Wednesday’s government figures showing the UK had recorded 696 deaths and a further 18,213 cases – the highest daily total for fatalities since 5 May.

England will be living under the toughest two tiers when a new system of restrictions is introduced next week.

About 32 million people – just over 57% of the population – will be in Tier 2, while 23.3 million – 41.5% of the population – will be in Tier 3.

Just 1% of the population – 714,000 people – will be living under Tier 1 restrictions.