TOLL SLOWS
UK Covid deaths plunge 78 per cent in a week with seven fatalities and 1,907 cases in last 24 hours
CORONAVIRUS deaths in the UK have dropped by 78 per cent in a week with seven fatalities recorded today.
Infections rose by 1,907 - bringing the total number of positive cases since the pandemic began to 4,418,530.
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Today's death toll of seven has brought the total number of victims to 127,524.
Last Saturday, the figure was 32 - meaning a drop of almost 80 per cent.
The most recent lowest number was on April 19 when four fatalities were recorded - the smallest daily death toll in over seven months.
The figures today also revealed 49,287,257 total Covid vaccines have been given in the UK as the Herculean jab rollout continues.
Almost 15million people have now received a second dose, with 34,346,273 being given a first jab.
Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi welcomed the news, saying: "Another strong day yesterday! Almost 15m second doses administered & that half century is within sight. @NHSuk what a team!"
It comes as Britain prepares to unlock more lockdown restrictions this month under Boris Johnson's Covid roadmap.
From May 17, pubs and restaurants can allow punters to sit inside and saunas and spas will be able to open.
Up to 10,000 fans will be allowed into stadiums and two households up to six people will be able to mix indoors overnight.
The falling number of deaths and cases has paved the way for the rules to be relaxed on schedule.
And strict isolation rules in care homes have been ripped up - with elderly people able to go for a walk or visit family in the garden in the coming weeks.
The PM said last night: "We know how challenging this time has been for care home residents, so I am pleased that they can now leave their homes to reunite with their loved ones outdoors.
“With the data continuing to head in the right direction and as restrictions ease, it is my priority to keep increasing visits for residents in the coming weeks in a safe and controlled way."
Britain's borders will also be reopened for international travel in 16 days, with “a handful” of approved countries published as soon as Tuesday.
A traffic light system of risk will see the world carved up into green, amber or red zones based on vaccine roll-out and case rates, as well as new variants found.
But insiders warn only a “handful” of countries will be approved for “green” quarantine free travel in the first tranche due to be published next week.
Gibraltar, Malta and Portugal are early contenders for the coveted status, but holiday favourites France, Spain, Greece and Italy are still some weeks away from being approved and heading for “amber” status.
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Green zones will mean quarantine free travel but tests before and after entry.
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Travellers from amber list countries will have to quarantine at home for 10 days on arrival.
Entry from red list countries will be outlawed still, with anyone coming through those countries forced to pay to be isolated in a hotel when they arrive at their own cost.
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