Covid UK news LIVE – Infections next week CRITICAL to lockdown lifting plan as London coronavirus cases plummet fastest

The total number of people who have been infected with Covid is inching towards four million.

Hope is, however, coming in the shape of reaching the target of 15 million people vaccinated by Monday.

The government has already hit its target of 13.2 million vaccinated but Boris Johnson this week appealed to a further two million vulnerable people to come forward.

It appears his plea has been heeded and he has also vowed that schools will open on March 8 – despite scientists’ warnings.

Follow the live blog below for the very latest news, updates and analysis of the coronavirus crisis…