UK coronavirus death toll up 363 to 35,704
A further 363 people died yesterday from coronavirus, bringing the UK’s total to 35,704.
The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 is now at 9,953, which is a 13 per cent decrease from this time last week.
Digital secretary Oliver Dowden made the announcement at today’s press briefing, along with news that the UK had administered 177,216 tests in the last day – a one-day record.
NHS England medical director Stephen Powis said today marked the first time since March where less than 10,000 people were in hospital with Covid-19.
“The decline has been steepest in London, where there was the highest peak, but you can also see declines in other areas of the country at different rates but all heading in the right direction,” he said.
Dowden also announced at the press briefing that the government was planning on awarding honours to frontline NHS and care workers.
He said: As a a way to show our gratitude to these Covid heroes, we’re announcing today that we’re delaying the queen’s birthday list util autumn so they can be celebrate.
“As the Prime Minister said today, I’m delighted that Her Majesty the Queen has approved a knighthood for Captain Tom Moore in recognition of his outstanding achievement in raising more than £33m for the NHS.”