UK records 9,055 new Covid-19 cases, highest since February

The United Kingdom (UK) reported its highest daily total of new Covid-19 infections since February, adding to signs that a new, more infectious variant of the disease first found in India is spreading.

The government reported a further 9,055 cases on Wednesday, the highest since February 25, and up by almost a fifth compared to a day earlier.

This week, the UK delayed plans to lift most remaining Covid-19 restrictions by a month, saying the extra time would be used to speed up its vaccination programme — already one of the world’s furthest advanced.

The UK recorded another nine deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test.