19 Jan

Britain has reported a decline in new daily coronavirus infections although the number of patients being treated for the virus in hospitals is at a record high.

The latest surge of infections began in December and led to strict lockdowns. The spike has been linked to a new variant that is said to be more contagious.

Daily confirmed infections have dropped below 50,000 in recent days, down from a peak of more than 60,000. However, Britain's healthcare system remains under enormous strain.

The latest figures show that a record high of 37,475 coronavirus patients are in hospital. Government officials say one patient is being admitted to hospital every 30 seconds.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson told reporters on Monday that "we're not out of the woods yet." He urged people to strictly follow the lockdown rules.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that more than 4 million people have received their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

Britain plans to inoculate 15 million priority targets by February 15. These include people aged 70 or older and healthcare providers.

NHK