The number of COVID patients in UK hospitals falls for first time in a month

The number of people with COVID-19 in hospitals has fallen for the first time in a month.

Coronavirus hospitalisations in the UK dropped from 6,035 on Tuesday to 6,034 on Wednesday, in the latest government statistics.

It was the first time this number had decreased since 23 June when it fell from 1,538 to 1,492.

But those being admitted to hospitals with the virus increased from 826 to 932, government data showed.

The UK also reported 31,117 COVID-19 cases on Thursday, an increase on 27,734 a day earlier.

It was a second consecutive rise in the daily total after cases fell each day over the previous week.

Watch: UK COVID-19 deaths rise by 85

Health Secretary Sajid Javid, who has previously warned that there could be 100,000 daily cases over the summer, said on Wednesday he hoped recent falls in the numbers would be sustained but it was important not to be “too optimistic”.

He said: “The truth is, when it comes to case numbers no-one really knows where they are going to go next.

“I hope that the falls that we’re seeing now are sustained. That’s of course what I want to see.

“But we’ve already seen with the Delta variant, a new variant that emerged over the last year, that’s more infectious than the previous one, that things can change.

“And so, I think it’s important to remain cautious, not get too optimistic.”

The UK reported its highest number of deaths (131) and people in hospital with coronavirus (5,918) since March on Tuesday, with Boris Johnson urging caution despite a week of lower reported numbers of infection.

The prime minister said: "It is very, very important that we don't allow ourselves to run away with premature conclusions about (lower case numbers).”

He noted it would take a while for the lifting of restrictions in England on 19 July to feed through to the data.

Johnson added: "People have got to remain very cautious and that remains the approach of the government."

The PM also made reassurances restrictions for the double vaccinated would be removed as planned on 16 August.

People who are fully vaccinated will no longer have to self-isolate from that date if a contact tests positive for coronavirus.

The prime minister told LBC: “August the 16th is nailed on.

"There’s never been any question of a review date for August the 16th. We will go ahead with the move.”

Watch: How the world could be better after COVID