• The UK has recorded zero daily COVID-related deaths for the first time since the pandemic began.
• The latest figures also reported another 3,165 new cases, compared with 3,383 on Monday and 2,493 one week ago.

Responding to the news that the UK recorded zero daily COVID-related deaths for the first time since the pandemic began, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Chris Hopson said:

"This announcement is more than welcome, though we do need to recognise this has been after a bank holiday weekend which is likely to have an impact on the figures. Trust leaders will want to take this opportunity to reflect on the journey the health service has been on since the pandemic began, and to thank their staff who have worked tirelessly to care for people across hospitals, ambulances, community and mental health services.

"The NHS has had to completely reconsider and adjust the way it worked to keep up with COVID-19 demand. Staff have been redeployed, supply chains have been established, and new vaccines have been created and safely administered to millions of people.

"We must keep this momentum going. Trust leaders would once again urge the public to stay cautious and keep coming forward to receive their jabs. They'd also like to thank them for following restrictions as the public has played a huge part in achieving today's milestone.

"But the NHS is still under lots of pressure. While the number of people being admitted with COVID-19 is lower than at earlier points in the pandemic, the threat from new variants is real and the NHS is also addressing a huge treatment backlog. Even a small increase in COVID-19 patients would make a real difference to the speed in which they are recovering. So we urge caution so that today's news becomes the norm."