UK reports more than 10,000 daily virus cases, the highest since late February

LONDON — The UK has recorded more than 10,000 daily coronavirus infections for the first time in nearly four months, likely the result of the spread of the more contagious delta variant.

Government figures today report 11,007 daily cases, the highest daily amount since February 19.

The variant, which accounts for around 95 percent of all new cases in the UK, is considered by government scientists to be between 40% to 80% more transmissible than the previous dominant strain.

The spread of the variant upended plans for the lifting of all restrictions on social contact next week. Instead, Prime Minister Boris Johnson delayed the easing by four weeks to July 19.

Most of the new infections are among younger age groups who have not received a vaccine. The UK’s vaccine rollout will be extended to all adults over age 18 tomorrow.