Another 1,014 people have died with Covid, bringing the official UK death toll to 111,264.

The country has recorded 19,114 new cases in the past 24 hours, meaning 3,911,573 people have tested positive since the pandemic hit.

A total of 10,971,047 people have had their first vaccine doses, while 505,993 have been given their second.

Although cases remain high, up to 70,000 daily infections were reported in early January, meaning there has been a massive drop over the past month.

It comes as reports claim people in England may soon be able to socialise outside again.

Team and individual sports such as tennis, along with limited social gatherings outside, could be possible within weeks of pupils returning to the classroom on March 8, according to The Times.

Pubs and restaurants are not likely to open until May, but the substantial meal rule will allegedly be scrapped when they do.

The tier two requirement meant booze could only be served with food and prompted fierce discussion over whether a scotch egg could count as ‘substantial’.

Government sources say outdoor markets will return before high street shops, and al fresco drinking and dining will be allowed before eating indoors.

It remains unclear if pubs will still be subject to a curfew, with the Prime Minister due to unveil his roadmap out of lockdown on February 22.

The UK’s Covid R Rate has dropped once again, with SAGE estimating it to be between 0.7 and 1 on Friday.

This means, on average, every 10 people infected will pass the virus to between seven and 10 people.

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