• The latest NHS Test and Trace data shows 106,474 positive cases of COVID-19 were recorded.
• This is 28.7% lower than the previous week, while 3.8% fewer tests were carried out.
• For all Pillar 2 routes combined, 37.8% were returned within 24 hours, down from 40.6% last week.

Responding to the latest figures from NHS Test and Trace, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Chris Hopson, said:

"We are encouraged to see the number of COVID-19 cases falling – a trend that must continue.

"It is reassuring that a very high proportion of positive cases recorded each week are being transferred into the tracing system, but one in eight of these is not being reached and asked to provide details of their contacts, which means there is still more work to do.

"There has undoubtedly been progress, but it remains imperative to identify as many close contacts as possible, and for those contacted to comply with instructions to self-isolate.

"Test turnaround times have slowed slightly this week, but compared to where we were a month ago, we are still seeing an improvement.

"There must be no room for complacency at this critical juncture in the fight against COVID-19. As the government looks to set out its plans concerning the country's lockdown restrictions, it is vital that we have a robust Test and Trace service to stay on top of the current caseload, as well as to quickly identify and control future outbreaks from variant strains."