UK records 22,868 new cases amid quick spread of Delta variant

London, Jun 28 (EFE).- The United Kingdom recorded 22,868 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Monday, the highest total since Jan. 30, according to the figures from the Department of Health and Social Care.

The spike in new cases, which over the past week have increased by 70 percent relative to the previous seven-day period, is linked to the spread of the so-called Delta variant.

The seven-day incidence rate per 100,000 people in the UK, meanwhile, stands at 134.3, the highest level of the last five months.

Despite those increases, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Monday it is still “very likely” that coronavirus restrictions will be eased on July 19 as scheduled.

“We think it’s sensible to stick to our plan to have a cautious but irreversible approach,” Johnson said The initial planned easing of restrictions on June 21 was postponed by four weeks amid concerns about the spread of the Delta variant, which now accounts for well over 95 percent of new cases in the country.

But the UK’s new health secretary, Sajid Javid, noted the number of Covid-19 deaths remains low despite the rise in cases, saying that proves the UK’s vaccine drive is working.

Some 62 percent of adults in the UK are fully vaccinated, while around 84 percent have received at least their first dose. EFE

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