The UK has reported another 20,479 COVID cases and 23 deaths, according to the latest daily figures.

In comparison, 22,868 cases and three deaths within 28 days of a positive test were recorded on Monday, and there were 11,625 and 27 this time last week.

Live COVID updates from the UK and around the world

Today’s figures also show another 127,260 people had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine, while a further 138,016 received their second jab.

A total of 44,581,771 people in the UK have now had at least one shot, while 32,721,762 are fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, analysis of cases rates has revealed that parts of east-central Scotland have overtaken northwest England to become the UK’s new COVID-19 hotspot.

East Lothian now has the highest rate of new cases, with 595.8 per 100,000 people in the seven days to 24 June.

In second place is Dundee, on 587.3 cases per 100,000.

Hyndburn in Lancashire is third on 547.9, but is followed by two more areas in Scotland’s central belt: Midlothian (520.2) and Edinburgh (503.5).

All four of these areas of Scotland are currently recording their highest rate of new cases since comparable figures began last summer, when mass testing was first introduced across the UK.

The rise of the Delta variant has been blamed for the spike in cases in recent weeks and has forced the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments to delay the easing of their respective restrictions.

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