The number of new COVID cases in the UK has fallen for the fourth day in a row, according to government data.

The country has recorded 31,795 new cases, compared to 36,389 cases on Friday, but the daily number of coronavirus-related deaths is not yet available due to technical difficulties in processing the data.

This time last week, 54,674 infections were recorded along with 41 deaths.

The latest data also shows 43,153 more people in the UK have received their first COVID-19 vaccine, taking the total number of adults to have received one jab to 46,519,998.

Another 191,045 people had their second dose, bringing the total number of double jabbed adults to 36,953,691.

Meanwhile, government scientists have warned coronavirus testing services could become overwhelmed due to rising infections.

The scientists’ warning comes as it was announced a new coronavirus variant is under investigation by Public Health England (PHE).

Experts are analysing instances of the B.1.621 variant found in pockets of the UK.

The variant, which is not shown to cause more severe illness, has also been found in other countries including Colombia, the US and Spain.

The government announced it is expanding workplace testing and people in frontline roles such as police, fire and the Border Force, will be able to avoid quarantine – regardless of vaccine status – if they are a close contact of a positive COVID case.

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