Covid death toll rises by 205 in UK as cases continue to drop
Another 205 people have died with Covid-19 in the UK, the latest Government figures have revealed.
A total of 12,330 more cases were recorded in the last 24 hours. This is compared with 15,450 which were recorded on Monday last week – showing there has been a downward trend in infections over the last seven days.
On Sunday, the UK recorded 215 fatalities and 12,155 positive cases. The figures were also fewer than those recorded last Sunday when 18,662 new cases and 398 deaths were reported – suggesting England’s lockdown is having an impact.
England recorded 189 deaths in the last 24 hours, Northern Ireland had 10, while Scotland and Wales reported three fatalities each.
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However, there can often be a lag in reporting cases and fatalities over the weekend.
Since the pandemic began, 1,629,657 people have tested positive in the UK, while the death toll stands at 58,448.
The number of people who have died with Covid-19 listed on their death certificate stands at 66,713.
The latest figures come after it was announced that Wales will be plunged under harsh Covid-19 restrictions again, just three weeks after ending its ‘firebreak’ lockdown.
Mark Drakeford confirmed there will be a total ban on alcohol sales, with pubs, bars and restaurants across the country told to shut by 6pm on Friday, following a sharp rise in coronavirus cases.
Non-essential retail, hairdressers, gyms and leisure centres will remain open but cinemas, bowling alleys and other indoor entertainment venues will be forced to shut in the run up to Christmas.
Mr Drakeford said that without action, government modelling suggested 2,200 people could be in hospital by January 12, with 1,600 people also losing their lives over the winter period.
Schools could also be closed in Wales early ahead of the Christmas break to reduce infection risks and prevent children from isolating over the holidays.
Council leaders are reportedly considering ending the school term earlier than the planned date of December 18. Options are said to vary between shutting down on December 11, or ending the term just two or three days earlier.
It comes as the UK Government plans to ramp up promotion of coronavirus vaccines amid concerns over a rise in online anti-vaxx conspiracy theories.
The jab is expected to be approved this week with a possible roll-out within days and ministers are said to be in talks with celebrities such as Marcus Rashford, to help promote the benefits of the vaccine.
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