The UK has reported another 5,765 coronavirus cases – significantly up on the total on the same day last week, but down on yesterday’s two-month high.

Saturday’s figure compares to 6,238 on Friday – the highest since 25 March – and 3,398 last Saturday.

A further 13 deaths have also been recorded within 28 days of a positive COVID test.

Meanwhile, the vaccination programme has hit two more milestones – more than 40 million people have now been jabbed and more than 27 million have had both shots.

There were 174,535 first doses administered on Friday, taking the total to 40,124,229, and 360,691 more second jabs were given, taking that total to 27,160,635.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted his thanks to “everyone who has been instrumental in getting us here”.

In a video, the prime minister said it had been “extraordinary” to witness the vaccine programme, adding that it had made a “huge difference to our country”.

In just six months 40 million people have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Thank you to everyone who has been instrumental in getting us here. Please keep coming forward for both doses. pic.twitter.com/gcYIC5Qsh2

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the milestone on first doses was “fantastic news”, adding: “When you get the call, get the jab.”

It came as an NHS chief said vaccines had “broken the chain” between catching coronavirus and serious illness, meaning critical care beds were under less strain than in previous waves of the disease.

The government is said to be “drawing up other options” before making a decision on whether to fully lift COVID restrictions on 21 June.

There has been anger over reports suggesting social distancing could remain in hospitality venues after what has been billed for months as “freedom day”.

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