Levels of coronavirus infections in the UK have continued to fall, Office for National Statistics data shows. The figures, for the seven days up to 26 February, reveal around 280,000 people in the community with the virus.It suggests that the number infected has fallen by about a third in the most recent week of data.

Infections have also dropped in the over 70s age group in England, potentially as a result of the vaccine rollout, say experts. People are still being advised to take precautions to stop the spread. Low virus levels are needed to get the best out of the vaccination programme. It takes time for immunity to build after having a jab.

Schools are reopening on Monday in England in the first easing of rules. It remains to be seen what effect this will have on infection rates.

The ONS results, based on tests from people whether or not they had symptoms, suggest:

• Overall in the UK, one in 230 people has the virus
• In England, it is one in 220 (compared to one in 145 the week before)
• In Northern Ireland, it is one in 325 (compared to one in 195 previously)
• In Wales, it is one in 285 (compared to one in 205 before)
• In Scotland, it is one in 335 (compared to one in 225)

Sarah Crofts from the ONS said: "Infections continue to head in the right direction across the UK, with levels now similar to what we saw in early October and around a quarter of levels seen at the start of the year."