UK records 1,248 new COVID-19 deaths, down from record level

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in London

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain reported 1,248 new deaths within 28 days of a positive COVID-19 test on Thursday, down from a record high of more than 1,500 seen the previous day.

Official data also showed Britain has now administered 2,918,252 first doses of COVID-19 vaccine, up by 278,943 on the previous day, and 437,977 second doses, up 9,745 on the previous day.

(Reporting by William James; Editing by Chris Reese and Sam Holmes)