CASES CLIMB
UK daily Covid cases more than double in just two weeks – but only nine deaths are recorded ahead of July 19 unlock
UK DAILY Covid cases have more than doubled in just two weeks as 27,334 infections were recorded today.
Despite the surging numbers, just nine coronavirus deaths were reported in the last 24 hours - as Brits prepare for unlocking on July 19.
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Today's daily death figure brings the grim toll in Britain to 128,231.
And with the additional 27,334 cases reported today, the number of people infected since the pandemic began now stands at 4,930,534.
Last Monday, 22,868 new cases were reported, along with three additional Covid deaths.
And on June 21, there were 10,467 infections recorded in the UK - meaning cases have risen by a staggering 161 per cent a fortnight.
But while numbers are increasing, the correlation between infections and deaths remain relatively low.
Thanks to Britain's vaccine rollout, surging cases have not resulted in high death tolls - with Freedom Day just a matter of weeks away.
This evening, Boris Johnson will address the nation and announce six new freedoms Brits will be able to enjoy from July 19 as the country emerges from lockdown.
The PM will address the UK as Brits prepare to ditch enforced social distancing, masks, and isolation - aspects that have become a way of life in the last 16 months.
Social distancing, working from home and compulsory face masks are among the measures expected to be scrapped on ‘Freedom Day’ - but there are three freedoms the PM won't confirm just yet.
But no confirmation is expected just yet on the scrapping of school bubbles or whether double-jabbed Brits can travel to amber-listed countries or skip self-isolation.
COVID CASES
And hospitals will be able to cope with a rise in Covid cases when the country unlocks on Freedom Day, the chief of the NHS has said.
Professor Stephen Powis today said everyone will have to learn to live with coronavirus and the NHS is currently preparing to do this.
Despite a rise in infections Prof Powis, National Medical Director for NHS England said that a rise in infections were "geographically very localised" and higher in the North West of the country.
"The NHS always has its local and regional plans so... we have got well used to coping with this.
"We will have to learn to live with Covid now and that is what the NHS is preparing to do", he told BBC Breakfast.
And overseas, the Balearic Islands’ hopes of staying on the UK’s travel green list suffered a blow after more than 500 people tested positive for coronavirus in two days.
The worrying infections surge came as thousands of boozy Brit sunseekers flew into resorts in Ibiza and Majorca last week.
Yesterday Balearics government health officials said there had been 303 new cases, 70 more than the 233 recorded on Saturday.
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Experts have been warning for some days that the Balearic Islands are in a “critical” situation although they have steered clear of saying the region is in the grip of a new wave of coronavirus.
But the case numbers will fuel fears that the Balearics face being removed from the UK green list in a hammer blow for the tourism industry.
Kate Middleton is self-isolating after Covid contact and will miss NHS birthday service and Palace tea
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