The UK has recorded 49 more coronavirus-related deaths and 36,100 new cases in the latest 24-hour period, with the number of COVID patients in hospital now at 7,847.

It is the first time since 7 September that the number of patients has been below 8,000.

On this day last year, there were 1,398 COVID patients reported in hospital across the UK.

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The number of patients in mechanical ventilation beds currently stands at 1,011.

The latest case and fatality figures compare with 29,612 infections and 56 deaths reported yesterday. Some 30,825 cases and 61 deaths were announced this time last week.

Since the pandemic began early last year, a total of 135,252 people have died in the UK within 28 days of a positive COVID test.

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Meanwhile, another 14,586 people had their first coronavirus vaccine dose on Sunday, taking the total to 48,593,019.

A further 35,131 people had their second jab, meaning 44,466,121 are now fully vaccinated in the UK.

The figures come as the UK’s vaccine programme steps up with booster invites being sent out for vulnerable people, and 12 to 15-year-olds starting to receive their jabs.

Up to three million youngsters are now eligible for coronavirus shots across the UK.

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