Britain records its highest number of daily COVID-19 infections
London: Britain has recorded 12,872 new coronavirus infections, by far the highest daily total since the outbreak began, though the figure includes a backlog of previously unreported cases.
The government says the figure includes an unspecified number of deaths over the past week that have not been reported because of a now-resolved “technical issue”.
People ride a Northern Line train in London after the 10pm pub and restaurant curfew that has been prompted by the spread of COVID-19.Credit:AP
Saturday’s total is more than 5000 cases more than the previous high, recorded last week.
Britain is seeing a second spike in coronavirus cases, though the daily number can’t directly be compared to the outbreak’s UK peak in April because many more tests are now being performed now.
The number of hospitalisations and deaths is also rising but remains far below the UK’s springtime peak. Another 49 COVID-19 deaths were reported on Saturday. Britain’s official coronavirus death toll is 42,317.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at a construction site in west London.Credit:Getty Images
The government has imposed restrictions on social gatherings to try and curb the spread of the virus, and almost a third of the country’s population of 66 million is under tighter local lockdown measures.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a further test of his authority next week when dozens of his own MPs are expected to try to vote down his rule-of-six restriction on large gatherings during the pandemic.
The Prime Minister is already facing a row with backbenchers over their plans to vote down the 10pm curfew for bars and restaurants in England next Wednesday. Now he also faces a rebellion on Tuesday over the rule of six.
The rumblings of discontent indicate an emboldened mood among Tory backbenchers after the Prime Minister was forced to give MPs a vote on future lockdowns earlier this week.
The potential rebellions risk overshadowing the Conservatives' online party conference which runs until Tuesday. Senior Tory sources said they expect a couple of dozen libertarian Tory MPs to vote against the rule-of-six measures, although the rebellion could founder because Labour will back the measure.
A defeat is more likely on the curfew vote on Wednesday when Labour MPs, concerned about the impact on jobs, could vote against the motion.
It comes days after MPs regained some control of Johnson's ability to order national lockdowns following a rebellion organised by Sir Graham Brady, the 1922 committee chairman. Future restrictions must be signed off after a 90-minute debate and a vote of MPs first.
There was a boost for the government yesterday as it emerged that moderate Tories are unlikely to rebel. Damian Green, who chairs the One Nation Conservatives, said: "For the moment I am happy to support the government on those measures."
AP; The Telegraph, London