The UK has recorded 28,438 new COVID cases and 26 more coronavirus-related deaths in the latest 24-hour period, according to government data.

The figures compare with 26,750 infections and 61 fatalities which were reported on Sunday, while this time last week 25,161 cases and 37 deaths were announced.

Since the pandemic started, 130,979 people have died in the UK within 28 days of a positive COVID-19 test and there have been 6,295,613 confirmed infections.

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Some 31,257 people in the UK had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine on Sunday, taking the total to 47,333,702 (89.5% of the adult population).

Also 126,383 had their second jab yesterday, meaning 40,703,581 are now fully inoculated – 77% of UK adults.

Scientists advising the government have claimed COVID-related deaths and hospital admissions are expected to fall this month.

Projections from a SAGE sub committee suggest the numbers will continue to fall until 25 August.

Meanwhile, all 16 and 17-year-olds in England will be offered their first vaccine by 23 August, the government has announced.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “This will make sure everybody has the opportunity to get vital protection before returning to college or sixth form.”

Children aged 12 to 15 who are clinically vulnerable to COVID-19 or who live with adults who are at increased risk of serious illness from the virus are also being contacted by the NHS and invited for their vaccine by 23 August.

In a bid to drive vaccine uptake, a number of firms including Asda and National Express are offering rewards to young people getting a COVID jab.

Uber, Bolt and Deliveroo have already said they will offer discounted rides and meals for customers who get the jab to help boost vaccine uptake.

In another development, people who are fully vaccinated against coronavirus no longer have to isolate if they come into contact with someone who has tested positive from today.

They will now be advised to take a PCR test, but that will not be compulsory and they will not have to self-isolate while they wait for the result.

If someone develops symptoms of the virus, the government says they should self-isolate and get a PCR test, and stay in isolation until the result comes back.

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