A further five deaths and 1,979 COVID cases have been reported in the UK in the latest daily figures.

It compares with the four fatalities within 28 days of a positive test and 1,926 cases recorded on Sunday.

It brings the total number of people who have died in the UK to 127,684.

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A further 131,318 people had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 183,745 have had their second shot.

The latest figures come as further restrictions were lifted across England today.

People are now allowed to meet outdoors in groups of up to 30, hospitality can open indoors, international travel is permitted and people can hug each other.

In Scotland, six people from three households can meet indoors and in Wales, six people can meet indoors and 50 at outdoor events.

The first Britons started arriving in green-listed Portugal after restrictions were lifted, while others have flown to amber-listed countries such as Greece, despite government advice not to.

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However, Boris Johnson has urged caution as the restrictions lifted.

Mr Johnson has admitted the Indian variant’s presence in parts of the country could yet delay England’s move to the fourth and final stage of his roadmap – scheduled for 21 June.

That would see all legal limits on social contact removed, so long as tests on vaccines, infection rates and new coronavirus variants continue to be met.

He said: “We are keeping the spread of the variant first identified in India under close observation and taking swift action where infection rates are rising.

“The current data does not indicate unsustainable pressure on the NHS and our extraordinary vaccination programme will accelerate – with second doses being bought forward to give the most vulnerable maximum protection.

“But now everyone must play their part – by getting tested twice a week, coming forward for your vaccine when called and remembering hands, face, space and fresh air.

“I urge everyone to be cautious and take responsibility when enjoying new freedoms today in order to keep the virus at bay.”

The vaccination rollout has been stepped up in places that are seeing rising cases, including Bolton, where cases have doubled.

The rise in cases in Bolton is caused by the India variant. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said there are 2,323 cases of the variant in the UK – 483 of which are in Bolton, Blackburn and Darwin.

Over the weekend, Bolton distributed more than 6,200 doses of vaccine as it struggled to combat an upsurge in cases, much of which has been blamed on the Indian variant.

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