Delta variant blamed for rise in cases in 14 provinces; UK records a further 71 deaths

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11.05pm BST

Several hundred Israelis demonstrated in Tel Aviv against new coronavirus restrictions and vaccines as positive cases and hospitalisations rose to levels not seen in months, AFP reports.
The health ministry reported Saturday that 2,435 new Covid cases had been recorded the day before - the highest number since March - driven by the Delta variant. There were 326 hospitalisations, the highest since April, although well below the January peak, when more than 2,000 people were being hospitalised daily. Israel has in recent days rolled out a booster vaccine shot for older citizens, reimposed mask requirements indoors and restored “green pass” restrictions requiring vaccine certificates for entering enclosed spaces such as gyms, restaurants and hotels.

10.50pm BST

Ireland’s premier Micheal Martin hailed the country’s “brilliant” Covid-19 vaccine programme after its full vaccination rate overtook the UK’s.
Ireland reached the figure of 72.4% of adults fully vaccinated. In the UK the rate was 72.1% on Saturday. More than 5.8 million jabs have been administered in Ireland to date. “The vaccine rollout is continuing at great pace,” tweeted Martin. “Today we edged ahead of our nearest neighbours - a brilliant effort by everyone involved. Ireland: 72.4% of adults fully vaccinated UK: 72.1% of adults fully vaccinated.”