UK Covid cases rise just 0.06% in a week to 21,363 as coronavirus spread slows

COVID cases in the UK rose by just 0.06 per cent in a week with 21,363 positive cases recorded today, as the spread of the virus seems to be slowing down.

The death toll rose by 9.8 per cent in a week, as another 213 deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

This brings the total number of coronavirus fatalities in Britain to a staggering 52,147.

And 21,363 positive cases were recorded in the last 24 hours, bringing the grand total to 1,390,681.

The death toll has risen by just 19 from this time last week, when 194 deaths were recorded on November 9.

And in comparison to last week's case figures, there has been a rise of just 13 from 21,350 reported last Monday - which is just 0.06 per cent.

This rise in both Covid cases and deaths is relatively small in comparison to last week.

It could perhaps show that cases are flattening and the spread of coronavirus is slowing down in Britain.

The UK's top statistician Sir Ian Diamond said the data shows a "slowdown in the rate of growth" which is "good news."

The head of the Office for National Statistics said: "The good news is - yes - we are seeing a slow down in the rate of growth.

"That means we're still increasing and we are now in England at 1.25 per 1,000. That means that one in 85 people in England, we believe, have the virus.

"In Wales, a little less at one in 100, in Scotland one in 135 and Northern Ireland one in 105.

It comes as...

• Moderna Covid vaccine is 94.5% effective – but UK won’t get any doses till Spring ‘at the earliest’
• Boris Johnson must isolate again despite having coronavirus as ‘people CAN catch it twice’
• PM declares he’s ‘bursting with antibodies’ & insists he WAS social distancing as he and 5 MPs isolating
• Toys could be RATIONED at Christmas as surge in online orders hits retailers – and Xmas dinner is under threat
• Covid cases flatlined WEEKS ago raising hopes of ‘normal’ Christmas, says Oxford prof

"So yes we are continuing to increase the numbers, but the rate of growth is slowing."

NHS England today reported another 190 coronavirus deaths, bringing the total number of deaths in English hospitals to 36,512.

The patients, who died between October 19 and November 15, were aged between 29 and 100 and all except three had underlying health conditions.

In Wales, another two deaths were recorded today along with another 892 new cases - a week after the country's firebreak lockdown was lifted.

Scotland recorded six more fatalities in the last 24 hours along with 717 new infections.

Another 14 deaths were recorded in Northern Ireland along with 331 new cases as of November 15.

The grim figures come after Professor Carl Heneghan, director of evidence-based medicine at Oxford University, said the coronavirus flatlined two weeks ago.

Prof Heneghan this morning said hospitals are not being overwhelmed and are running at “normal” capacity for this time of year.

He also told talkRADIO that Brits may be able to enjoy a somewhat "normal Christmas" if they prepare in advance by reducing contact in the weeks leading up to the festive period.

Meanwhile, a second coronavirus vaccine has also been found to be 94 per cent effective, giving another glimmer of hope to the nation.

VACCINE HOPES

Trials on more than 30,000 people found that only five given the jab developed Covid – and none had severe symptoms.

In comparison, 90 people given a dummy vaccine fell ill, according to US maker Moderna.

Ministers scrambled to secure supplies of the 94 per cent effective jab - and now Matt Hancock confirmed the UK has secured five million doses.

The US has struck a £1.16bn ($1.5bn) deal for 100million doses, while the EU has an "unsigned" deal for 160million doses, it is reported.

Moderna has also reportedly made deals with Japan, Canada, Switzerland, Israel and Qatar to supply more vaccines.

The jab is expected to cost £11.57 ($15.25) per dose, and with two needed per person, it works out slightly cheaper than Pfizer's at £14.79 ($1950) per dose.

Still, experts say it raises hopes that an effective vaccine is a "real probability" - and having more than one supplier could help global distribution.

It comes as Boris Johnson is once again being made to self-isolate, having come into contact with an MP who now has coronavirus.

The PM today insisted he feels as "fit as a butcher's dog" after NHS Test and Trace told him yesterday he must stay home to stop the chances of catching the disease again and spreading it to more people.

Mr Johnson nearly died from coronavirus in the spring, but insisted that while he may be "bursting with antibodies, we've got to interrupt the spread of the disease".

Scientists say testing positive may not guarantee immunity from getting the virus again - as the antibodies may not last for long.

The PM said today he was isolating with "a high heart, full of optimism and confidence".