Another 18,270 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK – the highest number since 5 February.

A further 23 deaths have also been reported.

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The latest figures compare to 15,810 new infections and 18 fatalities yesterday, and 10,321 and 14 last Saturday.

On 5 February, the last time cases were higher than today’s, there were 19,114. The recent spike has been blamed on the Delta variant first identified in India.

Meanwhile, more than 44 million people have now had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine – after 200,383 were jabbed during what was a bumper day of events on Friday.

Another 158,307 second jabs were also administered, taking that total to 32,244,223, with people having formed lengthy queues to get their shots at venues including Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and Watford’s Vicarage Road.

The ‘Grab a Jab’ initiative is running across the weekend as the NHS races to offer millions more first and second vaccine doses before the government lifts all remaining coronavirus restrictions in England on 19 July.

All adults are now eligible to get their first jab and people are being encouraged to turn up to walk-in centres rather than just wait for an appointment with their GP.

But the good news on vaccinations is being overshadowed somewhat by the scandal surrounding the man who’s so often sought to be the face of the campaign: Matt Hancock.

Demand for the health secretary to resign – or for Boris Johnson to take action – is growing over footage of him kissing a close aide, in breach of COVID-19 regulations.

A video of Mr Hancock, who is married, embracing Gina Coladangelo was published by The Sun on Friday night, following the release of stills from the CCTV clip earlier in the day.

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Several Conservative MPs have suggested that Mr Hancock should quit, after Labour and the Liberal Democrats said that he must either resign or be sacked.

Mr Hancock apologised for breaking his own COVID rules on Friday. The prime minister said he accepted the apology and considered the matter closed.

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