UK 33,196 reportsnew daily coronavirus cases and another 61 deaths

More than 48 million people have now had a first dose of COVID vaccine in the UK, while more than 42.6 million are fully protected. It comes as people wait to hear whether they'll be called forward for a booster shot from next month.

The UK has recorded another 33,196 coronavirus cases and 61 deaths in the latest 24-hour period, government figures show.

The figures compare with 32,406 COVID-19 cases and 133 deaths reported on Saturday, and 31,914 new cases and 49 deaths this time last week.

Another 132,180 people received a second coronavirus vaccine dose yesterday, taking the total number of those over 16 who are now fully inoculated to 42,639,781.

And 42,388 were given their first dose – taking the total to 48,001,316.

The UK government said it plans to give booster COVID-19 jabs, alongside flu jabs, to the most vulnerable groups from 6 September.

As yet, no specific details on the programme have been announced.

Elsewhere, Israel announced they would be offering a COVID-19 booster shot to anyone over the age of 12 who has been fully vaccinated.

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“Starting today, the third vaccine dose is open to all,” health ministry director general Nachman Ash said on Sunday, referring to the Pfizer vaccine which is in use there.

President Joe Biden has also expressed an interest in moving up a booster programme for the US.

On Friday, he said regulators are looking at giving booster jabs five months after people finish their primary vaccinations, shortening the current planned timetable of an eight-month gap.

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Mr Biden, who met with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Friday, said health officials were considering following that country’s lead on boosters when the programme starts on 20 September, pending regulatory approval.

“We’re considering the advice you’ve given that we should start earlier,” Mr Biden said.

A handful of European countries, including France and Germany, have already announced plans to give elderly people booster jabs.

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