It is the the third day in a row Covid infections have exceeded 5,000. Thirteen more Covid deaths were also reported today - rising 85.7 per cent - though fluctuations are expected at low numbers.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) yesterday approved the Pfizer vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds.
It was approved for over-15s in December last year and it will now be allowed to be given to anyone over the age of 12 because the benefits outweigh any risk .
Ministers have asked the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) whether to give the jab to teenagers the current rollout is set to stop at age 18 except for children with serious health conditions.
The JCVI which normally rules who should get a vaccine is expected to tell No10 that jabbing children is a political decision and will leave the ball in ministers court.
Public Health England data shows 97 confirmed Covid-19 outbreaks in schools over past month as industry leaders insist the Government must take action to cut transmission rates of the Indian variant.
LONDON: The coronavirus catch-up tsar has said “more will be needed” to help children recover learning lost during the pandemic as school leaders branded the Government’s extra.