The new Covid variant is now believed to result in higher numbers of deaths than during the initial peak.

This was one of the updates from Prime Minister Boris Johnson at this evening’s Downing Street briefing.

He said: “We have been informed today that in addition to spreading more quicky, it appears there’s some evidence the new variant may be associated with a higher degree of mortality.

“It’s largely the impact of the new variant that means the NHS is under such pressure.”

He said the number of patients in hospital currently is now 78 per cent than in the first peak last year.

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Professor Chris Whitty said that one in 55 people now have the virus.

Sir Patrick Vallance, the government’s chief scientific advisor, went on to say that the new variant is thought to spread between 30 and 70 per cent more easily than the old variant.

With regards to mortality rates, Sir Patrick gave an example of a man in their 60s, saying that for every 1,000 people with the old variant, roughly ten people would be expected to die.

With the new variant, though, for 1,000 people with the new virus an average of around 13 to 14 people were likely to die.

He said this difference could be seen across the spread of all age ranges.

However, he stressed there was a lot of uncertainty around these numbers and needed more work to know more.

Despite this, figures are beginning to flatten out overall, although numbers are on the increase in the Midlands and north of England.

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However addressing a question he said many people would be asking, Mr Johnson added: “All current evidence continues to show both the vaccines remain effective against the old variant and new variant.”

Mr Johnson went on to pay tribute to the teams working to give vaccinations.

He particularly thanked all the doctors and nurses, especially at GP led sites who are vaccinating at a phenomenal rate, as well as armed forces, local authorities and all involved.

He urged everyone to get the vaccine when invited, saying: “When that letter arrives please don’t hesitate to book that appointment to book that life-saving protection.”

One in ten of all adults have now received their first dose in England, with 71 per cent of over 80s and two thirds of elderly care home residents.