Cases of the Delta variant rose by more than 50,000 in just one week, data from Public Health England (PHE) shows.

Latest figures show that infections in the UK have risen by 50,824 since last week to a total of 161,981 – a 46% increase.

It comes after Boris Johnson warned ‘extra precautions’ may be needed when most remaining restrictions are lifted on July 19.

So-called Freedom Day is still expected to go ahead, meaning legal limits on social contact will be scrapped.

However, measures such as the requirement to wear face masks on public transport may remain.

Although cases are rising, health chiefs say hospital admissions aren’t increasing at the same rate.

Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said this showed the affects of the vaccine as she urged those who are yet to do so to come forward for their jab.

She said: ‘Cases across the UK continue to rise and it is incredibly important that we do not forget to be careful.

‘The best thing we can do to protect ourselves and the people we love is to get the vaccine if eligible, get tested twice a week and practise ‘hands, face, space, fresh air’ at all times.’

‘Although cases are rising, we are not seeing a proportional rise in the number of people who are being admitted to hospital. The data suggest this is testament to the success of the vaccination programme so far and clearly demonstrates the importance of getting both doses of the vaccine.’

Boris Johnson is expected to reveal what step four of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown will look like in the coming days.

Reports last night suggest he will lift almost all legal Covid restrictions from July 19 under a ‘freedom plan’ to be published next week.

Sources say the PM has prioritised scrapping the one-metre rule, along with the rule of six on indoor socialising, which are seen as the biggest brakes on the economy.

Rules limiting outdoor gatherings to 30 people will also be scrapped, and businesses such as nightclubs, which have been forced to close throughout the pandemic, will finally be allowed to reopen.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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