The UK has recorded another 28,612 coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour period.

A further 103 people have died within 28 days of a positive COVID-19 test, daily government figures show – taking the total figure to 130,281 since the start of the pandemic.

On Friday, 31,808 new infections and 92 deaths were recorded – which saw the UK top six million coronavirus cases since the pandemic began.

This time last week, on 31 July, 26,144 cases and 71 deaths were reported.

The latest figures come a day after England’s R number fell to between 0.8 and 1.1, suggesting the pandemic could be shrinking.

Last week, it was estimated between 1.1 and 1.4.

This latest R value, or reproduction number, means on average every 10 people infected with the virus will go on to infect between eight and 11 others.

Data published from Public Health England has found that a third of patients currently in hospital have already received two doses of the vaccine.

To encourage more people to get vaccinated, a new government campaign is urging young people to get their jabs or risk missing out “on the good times”.

Sussex University is offering cash prizes to students who can prove they have been fully vaccinated in an effort to drive vaccine uptake.

All students at the university are being entered into a draw and 10 of them can win £5,000 if they can prove they are double-jabbed or exempt.

Meanwhile, SAGE government adviser Professor John Edmunds said further lockdowns may not be required despite a potential autumn wave of COVID-19 cases due to restrictions easing.

Professor Edmunds told Times Radio he was “cautiously optimistic” that another lockdown would not be needed to bring cases under control again.

Follow the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.

But he added there is a need to be “very cautious” about the situation at the moment as previous peaks had been countered by locking down.

Related posts:

UK records another drop in COVID infections as number of first jabs hits 22.2 million Boy, 17, killed after ‘metal pole touched electrical line’ in Lancashire ‘Culture of misogyny’ could mean men get more lenient sentences – commissioners Fire at flats which killed five-year-old boy was started deliberately, police believe Will the 21 June final stage of lockdown easing go ahead? Here’s what the data says Delay to 21 June reopening will be ‘death knell’ for night-time economy Teen films himself ‘sneaking’ into Wembley for Euro 2020 final ‘Aggressive’ flu viruses ‘bouncing back’ after prolonged lockdown, leading expert warns A&E to ward bed waiting time at its longest ever, NHS England data shows Thai-based department store owner Central sizes up Selfridges takeover Prince Charles reassures member of the public when asked about the Queen’s health COVID could be a concern for next five Christmases, scientist warns