The UK has reported 6,048 more coronavirus cases and 13 COVID-related deaths in the latest 24-hour period, according to government data.

The figures compare with 5,683 new infections and one death which were announced on Monday.

It is the second time cases have been higher than 6,000 in the last seven days, with 6,238 reported last Friday.

Today’s cases are 2,883 more than this time last week when 3,165 infections were reported along with no deaths.

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A further 112,941 first vaccine doses were administered in the latest 24-hour period, taking the total to 40,573,517, and there were another 306,068 second jabs, taking that total to 28,227,362.

Earlier today, Environment Secretary George Eustice told Sky News his advice to the British public “would be holiday at home” despite official government guidance saying people can travel to green list nations without having to quarantine on their return.

He added that he will be staying at home with “no intention of travelling or going abroad this summer”.

However, Downing Street did not rule out Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking a foreign holiday later in the year.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced a “strengthened package of support” for Greater Manchester and Lancashire to tackle an increase in the Delta coronavirus variant.

Residents have also been advised to minimise travel and to meet people outside rather than indoors “where possible”.

The support package includes extra COVID-19 testing, military support and rapid response teams.

Many people have also struggled to book a COVID-19 vaccine today after the NHS website appeared to have been hit by a technical issue.

Some 25 to 29-year-olds reported receiving an onscreen message saying they were “not eligible ” for the jab, despite the government announcing yesterday that they would be able to from today.

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