[ad_1]
COVID infection rates in the four UK nations fell in the week to February 6, new figures reveal.
About one in 80 people in private households in England COVID-19 between January 31 and February 6, according to estimates by the National Statistics Office (ONS), the equivalent of 695,400 people.
This is less than about one in 65 people during the January 24-30 period.
Live COVID updates from the UK and around the world
Infections also fell in Wales, where around 1 in 85 people (35,300) had the virus, and Scotland too, with 1 in 150 testing positive during the same period, the equivalent of 35,400 people.
The percentage of people who tested positive for COVID also decreased in Northern Ireland, where around 1 in 75 had the virus, which is equivalent to 24,400 people.
London still has the highest proportion of people who test positive for coronavirus in England, and it is estimated that around one in 60 have had the virus. Although this is down from one in 45, previously.
One in 70 had coronavirus in the East of England, the East Midlands, North West England and the West Midlands.
The other estimates are one in 95 for Yorkshire and the Humber; one in 100 for Northeast England and Southwest England; and one in 105 for south-east England.
The figures from the ONS COVID-19 Infection Survey do not include people in residences, hospitals or other institutions.
Subscribe to the daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The study arrives with the UK ready to begin the next phase of its vaccination program.
Those over 65 will begin receiving letters inviting them to receive COVID vaccines early next week, Sky News understands.
So far, more than 13.5 million people in the UK have received a first dose of a COVID vaccine, and nearly 525,000 have also received a second dose.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Vaccines: When will we see an effect?
Home Office Minister Victoria Atkins told Sky News on Friday that the government was “absolutely certain” of meeting its goal of delivering hits to the 15 million people in the four most vulnerable groups by Monday, February 15.
Downing Street has said that the plan to ease the blockade in England will be laid out on February 22.
However, a spokesperson for Number 10 did not rule out on Friday that one of the options being considered is maintaining social distancing until the fall.
