UK coronavirus cases pass 160,000 after 3,996 more struck down with killer bug
DEADLY coronavirus cases continued to rise in the UK today after 3,996 more people tested positive.
The latest number of Covid-19 cases recorded in Britain now stands at 161,145 – up from 157,149 yesterday.
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It comes as the UK grapples with the killer bug – but the grim number is largely determined by the number of tests.
The Department of Health confirmed today 43,453 tests had been carried out.
Yesterday, cases rose from 152,840 to 157,149 as Britain entered week six of drastic lockdown measures.
It comes as the death toll in the UK today rose to 21,678 after 568 more people died from the deadly disease.
The number is the lowest Tuesday rise in four weeks after the usual weekend lag when 381 were reported dead on March 31.
It comes as:
- Britain fell silent at 11am to remember hero frontline staff who have died fighting the virus
- Children may have died from a new “coronavirus-related” condition
- Boris Johnson may set out the next phase of lockdown this week
- Care home deaths from coronavirus in England and Wales have trebled in one week
- A thug knocked out female cop after being asked if his journey was essential
In England, 552 more people lost their lives to the virus – bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 19,301.
In Scotland today, a further 70 people have died – bringing the death toll to 1,332.
Wales has suffered another 17 deaths – with their total now at 813.
While a further 20 people have died in hospital in Northern Ireland – bringing their total deaths to 329.
The latest numbers do not include deaths in the community, in places such as care homes.
New figures from the Office for National Statistics today found the true death toll could actually be 54 per cent higher once victims outside hospital are factored in.
The shocking statistics found there were 22,300 deaths involving Covid-19 in and outside of hospital up to April 17 but registered to April 25.
This is compared to 14,451 reported by the Department of Health for England and Wales at the same time.
If the 54 per cent difference is applied to the current death toll, at least 32,000 could have been killed by the disease in Britain.
The figures do not include Northern Ireland and Scotland so the true number for the UK will be higher.
The statistics released today also showed Covid-19 care home deaths had trebled in the week leading up to April 17 from 1,043 to 3,096.
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But the Care Quality Commission (CQC) reported 4,343 deaths of residents in homes between April 10 and 24 – the first time such figures have been published by the body.
Coronavirus deaths in the UK yesterday reached 21,092 after 360 more people lost their lives.
This is the lowest daily increase in deaths in four weeks after 180 people lost their lives on March 30.
Britain is now the fifth country to pass 20,000 deaths in hospital from Covid-19 – behind the US, Italy, Spain and France.
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The PM is expected to set out the next stage of lockdown this week – including the chance for Brits to potentially meet pals in limited “bubbles”.
Officials are said to be looking at easing some of the restrictions and allowing small groups of people to socialise.
The official review of the lockdown isn’t due until May 7 but Boris is expected to detail how “phase two” of the lockdown could work by the end of this week.
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