• The latest NHS Test and Trace data shows 196,257 positive cases of COVID-19 were recorded.
• This is 29.0% lower than the previous week, while 1.4% more tests were carried out.
• For all Pillar 2 routes combined, 38.0% were returned within 24 hours, up from 33.4% last week.

Responding to the latest test and trace data, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Chris Hopson, said:

"It's good to see infection figures falling, even as the number of tests carried out this week increased.

"It's really important that confirmed cases make it into the test and trace system, and that contacts are identified and reached.

"On these measures we see grounds for encouragement. Test turnaround times are also improving, though clearly, there's still a way to go.

"This is a key moment in the pandemic. It's vital that the test and trace system plays its full part in bearing down on the virus. On this evidence it is becoming better placed to do that."