Breaking News: The UK death toll from the coronavirus pandemic has jumped to 4,313 after the biggest daily death count of 708 COVID-19 deaths
The daily increase in deaths is from Friday up to 5pm on the day before comes after the figure rose by 684 for Thursday and 569 on Wednesday.
The global pandemic figure has shot passed the 1 million mark and governments globally are warning against the worst weeks to come.
The number of deaths from coronavirus worldwide has passed the 60,000 mark – the grim toll now stands at 60, 874, according to data collated by Johns Hopkins University
The peak of new cases could come within a week or 10 days, Ferguson said, but adherence to the strict rules will determine how quickly the rate of infections decline after that.
Meanwhile, in the UK, the number testing positive for COVID-19 has risen to 41,903, as of 9am on Saturday, after 183,190 have been tested.
Don’t be tempted to meet friends at the park this weekend.
Do your bit to protect the NHS and save lives by staying at home.#StayHomeSaveLives #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/kJ5Xd8p0to
Health Minister Matt Hancock has set a goal of 100,000 tests per day by the end of this month, a tenfold increase that industry leaders have questioned due to shortages of equipment. It is also considering immunity certificates.
Separately the government said it would free prisoners who were deemed to be low risk and were within weeks of release. Police and health officials are concerned the warmer temperatures forecast for much of the country this weekend will bring people out to parks and beauty spots.
Spain has overtaken Italy
In Europe, Spain reports another 809 deaths, bringing the total death toll to 11,744 but it is the lowest daily count for a week. Spain has now overtaken Italy as the country with the highest number of cases in Europe – but it appears to be turning a corner.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is extending the country’s lockdown until 26 April, Spanish newspaper El País reports. Spaniards have been in lockdown for three weeks, with a ban on all but essential outings and most businesses shut
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