The UK has reported another 13 coronavirus-related deaths and 2,613 new cases in the latest 24-hour period, according to government data. 

The figures compared with 27 deaths and 2,144 cases announced on Wednesday, while 22 fatalities and 2,445 infections were revealed last Thursday. 

Since the pandemic started, there have been 4,428,553 lab-confirmed cases in the UK, and 127,583 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for COVID-19. 

Meanwhile, another 139,097 people had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine on Wednesday, taking the total to 34,934,171. Also, 404,226 had their second jab on Wednesday, meaning 16,291,719 are now fully vaccinated in the UK.

It comes as new figures from the Office for National Statistics revealed the take-up of first dose COVID jabs among over-50s in England. 

Due to the progress of the coronavirus vaccination program, it can be assumed that a substantial proportion of over-50s had been offered a jab up to 12 April - the period to which the figures apply. 

(With input from agencies)