UK coronavirus daily death toll highest since June 5 as cases rise by 21,331

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  • October 20, 2020
  • Comments Off on UK coronavirus daily death toll highest since June 5 as cases rise by 21,331
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A further 241 people have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus, the highest daily death toll in more than four months.

It brings the total number of people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 to 43,967.

It is the highest daily figure reported since 258 deaths were reported on June 5 but there is often a delay in the reporting of deaths over a weekend.

The Government said that, as of 9am on Tuesday, there had also been a further 21,330 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK. It brings the total number of cases in the UK to 762,542.

Separate figures published by the UK’s statistics agencies show there have now been 59,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

Commenting on the latest rise in reported deaths, Dr Yvonne Doyle, medical director of Public Health England, said in a statement: “The trend in deaths is rising sharply.

“Tragically we know that older people and those with underlying health conditions tend to suffer more if they become unwell.

“We all have a responsibility to follow the restrictions to help stop the virus spreading to those who are at greater risk.

“The measures across the country are there to reduce transmission of the virus which is why it is essential that we all follow them.

“We know that the easiest and best way to protect each other is to regularly wash our hands, wear a face covering when required and to keep space from each other.”

The new figures were released minutes before Boris Johnson confirmed that Greater Manchester would be placed in Tier 3 lockdown measures after talks over a financial support package broke down .

At a Downing Street briefing the Prime Minister said: “Despite the failure to reach an agreement I hope the mayor and council leaders in Greater Manchester will now work with us to implement these measures.”

He confirmed that conversations are ongoing with leaders in South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and the North East about the possibility of moving to the very high alert level and said: “I hope and expect central and local government will continue to work closely together.

“Ultimately all of us want to protect the NHS and in doing so to save lives.”

Earlier on Tuesday the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, accused the Government of “walking away” from negotiations and called on Parliament to develop a “fair financial framework” for Tier 3 lockdowns.

Reporting by PA Media