Deaths involving COVID-19 in England and Wales have fallen by 99% from the peak of the second wave of the virus in January, new figures show.
A total of 125 deaths occurred in the week ending 30 April where coronavirus was recorded on the death certificate, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
This is down 99% from 8,979 deaths in the week to 22 January when more than 1,000 deaths were taking place each day.
Follow live coronavirus updates from the UK and across the world
Most age groups are now seeing the lowest number of deaths for nearly eight months, as the combined impact since January of lockdown restrictions and the vaccine rollout continue to drive down the number of infections and hospital admissions.
The figures suggest that the lockdown introduced across England and Wales at the start of the year did help stop the spread of the virus.
Over 36 million people in the UK have received the first dose of a vaccine and it is becoming clear that the vaccinations are playing a crucial role in reducing serious illness from the disease.
Analysis of the ONS data by the PA news agency shows the age groups 75-79 and 80 and over have both recorded drops of 99%, while for people aged 60-64, 65-69 and 70-74 the fall is 98%.