DEADLY RISE
UK coronavirus death rate DOUBLES as 381 die in 24 hours and boy, 13, with no health problems becomes youngest victim
THE UK coronavirus death rate doubled today as 381 people died in 24 hours and a 13-year-old boy with no underlying health conditions became the country's youngest victim.
Britain's positive Covid-19 cases have also jumped - with 25,150 infected people - up 2,706 from yesterday.
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The latest figures from the Department of Health reveal 381 people have died in 24 hours after a rise of 180 deaths in the same time period yesterday.
In England, the NHS today confirmed the death rate had also more than doubled from 159 yesterday to 367 today in the biggest 24-hour leap so far.
Of the latest victims 28 had no previous medical conditions.
Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, 13, from Brixton, South West London, became the country's youngest victim after being taken to King's College Hospital suffering from breathing difficulties.
He died in hospital on Monday morning without his mum or six siblings by his side due to the contagiousness of the disease.
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The boy is the second teenager to have died from the deadly bug in the UK in recent days.
Last week, the heartbroken family of a "very healthy" 19-year-old Italian chef living in London revealed he had died from suspected coronavirus.
Luca Di Nicola from Enfield, North London, was told by medics he had "nothing to worry about" after falling ill, reported.
The teen passed away on March 24 a day after being rushed to hospital with collapsed lungs.
North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust confirmed today a 19-year-old man had died after testing positive for the disease following his death.
Paying tribute to his son, Luca's dad Mirko Di Nicola told the Italian newspaper: "Luca has been tested positive for coronavirus.
"Rest in piece my little angel, keep on flying. You are in our souls."
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In Scotland today, 13 more people have died - taking the death toll to 60.
Public Health Wales confirmed there have been seven further deaths - bringing their total to 69.
While in Northern Ireland, six more people have died, with their total deaths now at 28.
Today's figures only include those who have died in hospital after testing positive for the disease, so the true death toll is actually higher.
From the start of the crisis until March 20, at least 40 more people died from coronavirus in England and Wales than previously thought after hidden deaths at home were revealed for the first time.
New figures revealed 210 people died in England and Wales from the killer bug during that time period - 23 per cent more than official NHS numbers have shown.
NHS England and Public Health Wales had recorded 170 people died in hospital up to that date.
Once the Office of National Statistics work out the numbers since March 20, the most recent numbers will raise again.
CORONAVIRUS HOTSPOTS
Yesterday, the Department of Health reported 1,408 Covid-19 deaths in the UK - a rise of 180 from the previous day.
It marked the first time the daily increase in deaths has fallen for two consecutive days - suggesting drastic lockdown measures may be working.
At least four of those who died had no pre-existing medical conditions, the Department of Health said.
London remains the highest coronavirus hotspot with 122 of today's deaths in England happening in the capital.
But startling new figures revealed today how Sheffield and Slough are close behind.
Sheffield has recorded 59 cases per 100,000 people - just behind the 64 cases per 100,000 in the capital.
Meanwhile Slough, Berkshire, has recorded 49 cases per 100,000.
It is unclear exactly why Slough and Sheffield have been so badly hit by the virus.
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Among the latest deaths is RSPCA worker Jayne Lowry, who died four days after her 26th birthday.
It is not known if she had underlying health problems.
There are fears the NHS will be crippled trying to cope with the surge in coronavirus patients - with one boss revealing he is "losing the will to live".
Alan Hoskins, chief officer of the Health Care Supply Association, warned there is a struggle to source protective equipment for staff.
New clinical guidelines tell staff to wear a face mask, apron and gloves when coming within 1metre (3ft) of a potentially infected patient.
Mr Hoskins, whose organisation represents NHS procurement staff, wrote on Twitter: “What a day, no gowns NHS Supply Chain.
"Rang every number escalated to NHS England, just got message back — no stock, can’t help, can send you a PPE pack. Losing the will to live, god help us all.”
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The UK has been in lockdown over the pandemic this week, following strict social distancing rules in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus.
And Boris Johnson has warned things will "get worse before they get better".
The PM chaired a Cabinet meeting via videolink today as he continues to self isolate after testing positive for the disease.
Coronavirus explained: COVID-19 myths busted and your questions answered by Dr Hilary Jones