The number of weekly COVID-19 cases in England has declined for the first time since July, new figures show.
A total of 6,115 people tested positive for coronavirus in the week from 13 to 19 August, figures from the government’s test and trace operation have revealed.
That is 8% lower than the week before and the first decrease since the beginning of July.
The number of people contacted through the track and trace system increased during the week to 19 August to 7,941, in part due to an operational delay the week before.
Of these, 72.6% were reached and asked to provide information about their contacts, compared to 79% the week before, the government said.
A total of 75.5% of people who were in close contact with those who initially contacted were reached.