UK reports 11,000 new COVID-19 cases

LONDON (AA) – Health authorities in the UK reported 11,007 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, the most since Feb. 19.

The rising numbers are mostly blamed on the Delta variant of the virus, which was first detected in India.

However, the vaccination drive continues robustly. Over 42.21 million people have received the first dose of a COVID vaccine, which means that more than 80% of adults have now been jabbed. The number of fully vaccinated has also reached 30.6 million.

All over-18s will be able to book their first doses from Friday, according to a statement from Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

He tweeted: "4 in 5 adults have been vaccinated across the UK. This is an amazing feat thanks to an extraordinary team effort. The vaccine is saving lives, so when it's your turn, come forward & get the jab."

The government has delayed the date for easing all restrictions for about four weeks to July 19, with the hope to curb further spread of the virus by fully vaccinating the entire adult population.

The authorities also reported 19 virus-linked deaths, pushing the total to 127,945 – the worst in Europe.