The UK has reported 37,578 new coronavirus cases and 120 virus-related deaths in the past 24 hours.

There were 42,076 cases and 121 deaths within 28 days of a positive COVID test recorded on Friday, while last Saturday’s figures showed 32,406 new infections and 133 fatalities.

A further 33,587 people received their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine in the latest 24-hour period, while 108,290 were given their second dose, Department of Health figures show.

This brings the total number of people fully vaccinated to 43,251,037, which is 79.6% of the populations aged 16 and over.

It comes amid reports that the government is set to rollout COVID-19 vaccines to 12 to 15-year-olds, against expert advice.

On Friday, the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended that only children in that age group with particular underlying conditions should be vaccinated against COVID.

But Sky News understands the government wants to give jabs to all 12 to 15-year-olds, claiming it will reassure parents as children go back to school.

A final decision, signed off by the chief medical officers of all four nations, is expected next week.

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