Another 5,534 COVID-19 cases and 121 deaths have been recorded in the UK, while the number of people vaccinated has hit 23.6 million.

New cases are down on Friday’s figures (6,609) and last Saturday’s (6,040) – and deaths are also down on the 175 and 158 recorded on those dates.

Some 23,684,103 first jabs have now been given out, while 1,532,754 people have also had their second.

Just over 457,000 vaccination doses were administered in the latest 24-hour period.

The prime minister has backed a national day of reflection to mark the anniversary of the first coronavirus lockdown.

End-of-life charity Marie Curie is planning the day for 23 March to remember those who have died during the pandemic.

Wales has lifted its “stay at home” order and relaxed its outdoor meeting rules as part of a gradual easing of the country’s restrictions.

Almost 50,000 businesses have signed up for the government’s free workplace COVID-19 tests, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced.

The government claims it is a vital step towards restoring normal life following the pandemic.

Tests can give a result within 30 minutes – and NHS Test and Trace analysis suggests they have a specificity of at least 99.9%.

Related posts:

Two escaped dogs who killed great-grandmother ‘humanely destroyed’ ‘Hundreds’ found and several arrested at illegal raves over Bank Holiday weekend When can you go on holiday abroad and what is the traffic light system for international travel? Police patrols increased in Bromley after reports of ‘perceived’ attempted abductions ‘Don’t let cancer patients be forgotten people of COVID’: Widow’s message to new health secretary Flood-hit London hospital cancels surgeries and appointments Weekly COVID deaths in England and Wales highest since April, says ONS COVID cases in UK fall for seventh day in a row – but number of new deaths highest since mid-March Women in British army facing bullying, sexual harassment and assault, study finds One of world’s first postage stamps to fetch up to £6m at auction MI5 officer admits different decisions could have stopped Manchester Arena bombing Cosmetic surgery adverts targeting teenagers to be banned from next year