UK Covid death toll rises by five as nearly 2,000 more people test positive

Watch: UK death total rises by five

The UK has reported another five deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test, bringing the country’s total to 127,684.

Separate figures published by the UK's statistics agencies show there have been 152,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

The total number of coronavirus cases has risen by 1,979, taking the total caseload to 4,452,756.

Meanwhile, a further 131,318 coronavirus vaccine first doses have been administered as the UK roll-out continues.

Officials said 183,745 people were also given their second vaccination. It brings the total number jabs given in out in the UK to 56.9million.

It comes as Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs there are now 2,323 confirmed cases of the so-called Indian variant in the UK.

He said nearly 500 cases have been seen in Bolton and Blackburn with Darwen, where it is now the dominant strain.

"Cases there have doubled in the last week and are rising in all age groups,” he said.

"In Blackburn, hospitalisations are stable with eight people currently in hospital with Covid, and in Bolton 19 people are now in hospital with coronavirus - the majority of whom are eligible for a vaccine but haven't yet had a vaccine.

"This shows the new variant is not tending to penetrate into older, vaccinated groups and it underlines again the importance of getting the jab especially - but not only - amongst the vulnerable age groups."

Mr Hancock also announced fewer than 1,000 people were now in hospital with Covid-19, as the UK vaccination roll-out continues to help drive down levels of the disease.

Watch: What UK government COVID-19 support is available?

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