The UK Has Reported A Record 1,325 Coronavirus Deaths – The Highest Death Toll Of The Pandemic
The UK has recorded a record number of daily deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test (PA)
2 min read
In the last 24hrs 1,325 people are reported to have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus — the highest daily figure of the pandemic so far.
The previous highest daily figure was reported on 24 April, at the height of the first lockdown, when 1,010 deaths were reported.
Meanwhile, 68,053 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, taking the rolling seven day total to 415,408 prompting fears that the daily death toll is highly likely to rise further.
Responding to Friday's figures, Dr William Welfare, Director for the COVID-19 response at Public Health England, issued a grave warning.
“Each life lost to this virus is a tragedy, but sadly we can expect the death toll to continue to rise until we stop the spread," he said.
“Approximately 1-in-3 people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and could be spreading it without realising it.
“To protect our loved ones it is essential we all stay at home where possible.
"This will reduce new infections, ease the pressure on the NHS and save lives.”
The latest figures come shortly after London Mayor Sadiq Khan declared a "major incident" in the capital as hospitals struggled to cope with a rising number people admitted with of coronavirus.
Case rates in the city are now exceeding 1,000 per 100,000 people, with some boroughrs recording incident rates of over 1,600.
"The situation in London is now critical with the spread of the virus out of control," said Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London.
“Our heroic doctors, nurses and NHS staff are doing an amazing job, but with cases rising so rapidly, our hospitals are at risk of being overwhelmed.
"The stark reality is that we will run out of beds for patients in the next couple of weeks unless the spread of the virus slows down drastically.
He continued: "If we do not take immediate action now, our NHS could be overwhelmed and more people will die.
“Londoners continue to make huge sacrifices and I am today imploring them to please stay at home, unless it is absolutely necessary."
PoliticsHome Newsletters
PoliticsHome provides the most comprehensive coverage of UK politics anywhere on the web, offering high quality original reporting and analysis: Subscribe
