Nadhim Zahawi quizzed on Brazilian coronavirus variant

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The Department for Health confirmed a further 121 people have died within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test, as of 9am on Saturday. The figure is the lowest number of deaths recorded on a Saturday since October 10, when 81 fatalities were confirmed.

It is also 37 fewer than the 158 deaths confirmed on Saturday, March 6.

The UK has also reported a further 5,534 new positive cases for coronavirus.

Separate figures from hospitals across the UK also show a sharp decline in the number of fatalities – NHS figures are calculated slightly different to the Department for Health.

Across hospitals in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland the death toll on Saturday stood at 133 – a drop of 36 percent from seven days ago.

On March 6, the COVID-19 death figure stood at 208, on the previous Saturdays, the respective figure was, 293 on February 27, 355 on February 20, 513 on February 13 and 675 on February 6.

The highest number of coronavirus deaths recorded in a single day across hospitals in the UK was 1,185 on January 20.

The UK has also administered more than 25 million vaccinations – an increase of more than 400,000 on the previous day.

Data shows 25,216,857 jabs have been given in the UK, 23,684,103 were first doses – a rise of 369,578 since Friday.

Some 1,532,754 were second doses, an increase of 87,676.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister and other political leaders have backed plans to hold a national day of reflection marking the anniversary of the first coronavirus lockdown.

The end of life charity Marie Curie is planning a day of reflection on March 23 – exactly a year since the UK was first told to stay at home.

It will include a minute’s silence at 12pm followed by a bell toll, and people are being encouraged to stand on their doorsteps at 8pm with phones, candles and torches to signify a “beacon of remembrance”.

Prominent buildings and landmarks will also be lit up across the UK.

Boris Johnson said: “This has been an incredibly difficult year for our country.

“My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, and who have not been able to pay tribute to them in the way they would have wanted.

“As we continue to make progress against the virus, I want to thank people for the sacrifices they continue to make, and hope they can look forward to being reunited with loved ones as restrictions are cautiously eased.”

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In his roadmap, the Prime Minister outlined a scenario where all restrictions would end on June 21.

Sir Simon Stevens, head of the NHS, added: “Coming out of the toughest year in the health service’s entire history, we need to reflect on the pandemic’s deep toll, mourn those we’ve lost, and mark the service and sacrifice of staff throughout the NHS.

“It’s also a moment to acknowledge how in adversity we saw strength, as friends, neighbours and communities have come together to help each other through the nation’s worst ordeal since the Second World War.

“While we need continuing vigilance against this virus, the remarkable NHS vaccination programme now brings hope of better times to come.”

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