infections recorded a5,066 new infections recorded in the latest 2a hour period — that's the highest number sincejuly, as well as 157 deaths — that's those who've died within 28 days of a positive covid test. meanwhile, 85.7% of people over the age of 12 have received the first dose of the vaccine and 78.7% have had both doses. the chancellor, rishi sunak, has told the bbc the government is doing �*everything it can�* to ease supply chain blockages. but businesses in industries from toys to construction to meat have warned that blockages at ports, caused by a shortage of lorry drivers, are still causing big delays.