• The latest NHS Test and Trace data shows 148,809 positive cases of COVID-19 were recorded.
• This is 24.4% lower than the previous week, while 7.0% more tests were carried out.
• For all Pillar 2 routes combined, 40.6% were returned within 24 hours, up from 38.0% last week.
  
  

Responding to the latest figures from NHS Test and Trace, the director of policy and strategy of NHS Providers, Miriam Deakin, said:

"It's encouraging that we continue to see the number of COVID-19 cases falling, and that a very high proportion of positive cases recorded across the country are now being transferred into the test and trace system each week.

"It remains vitally important that close contacts are identified and reached as quickly as possible.

"Test turnaround times continue to improve, with results from almost all in-person tests now being returned the next day, and we look forward to ongoing progress towards the 24 hour standard for all routes.

"We are at a pivotal point in the pandemic. It is absolutely crucial that the test and trace system plays its key role in the fight against the spread of infection. As debate turns towards coming out of lockdown, it is important that the system continues making positive strides. It is uplifting to see that it is on course to do so."