HOPE AT LAST
UK coronavirus death toll in lowest jump since pre-lockdown as 55 die taking total to 40,597
CORONAVIRUS deaths in the UK have seen the lowest rise since before lockdown after 55 more people died - bringing the total to 40,597.
The number is also fewer than 100 for the second day running, the Department of Health confirmed.
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Positive cases in the UK have only risen by 1,205 to 287,399 - again the lowest since Boris Johnson imposed the restrictions.
Today's daily death figure of 55 is the lowest since the day before lockdown began on March 23, when the number was 35.
But figures are usually lower after the weekend due to a lag in reporting.
They usually then tend to rise in the week - meaning it is likely the number will be higher tomorrow.
It comes as...
- Quarantine rules fell into chaos on the first day after the Home Office said it was impossible to enforce
- Pub gardens could reopen on June 22 in a bid to help save 3.5m hospitality jobs at risk
- Brit holidaymakers will be able to travel freely across Europe from July
- An ex-WHO Sars chief says a second coronavirus wave is not inevitable
- Dentists set to reopen today for the first time since the pandemic closed surgeries
In England, there were 59 deaths recorded in hospitals in 24 hours putting the total for the country at 27,489.
NHS England also reported no new coronavirus deaths in London for the first time since the pandemic.
While in Scotland today, no new deaths were recorded for the second day running - with their total still at 2,415.
Northern Ireland also suffered no further deaths today for the second day running - although this could be due to how figures are recorded.
In Wales, three more people have died from the disease - with their deaths now at 1,401.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said in the Commons today: "Today's figure records 55 fatalities, the lowest number since March 21 before lockdown began.
"They also show that there were no deaths recorded in London hospitals which is a real milestone for the capital, which, of course, in the early stages of this pandemic faced the biggest peak."
He added: "Sadly, we do expect more fatalities in the future, though, not least because the figures recorded at the weekend are typically lower. What's more, 55 deaths is still 55 too many."
A total of 77 victims were recorded in 24 hours - but the figures are always lower at the weekend due to a lag in reporting.
Last Monday, when lockdown rules were relaxed for Brits, the daily death rate for the UK was 111
The UK currently has the second highest official coronavirus death toll in the world after the US - where 109,143 people have died from the bug.
According to the John Hopkins University, the UK is followed by Brazil (34,021), Italy (33,774) and France (29,114).
It is however difficult to draw direct comparisons between countries where population sizes vary and countries record Covid-19 data in different ways.
QUARANTINE FARCE
The new rules mean anyone entering the UK must self-isolate for 14 days and fill out forms detailing where they will be staying for the two-week period.
The Home Office has said those who don't comply with the measures or use false entries will be fined up to £1,000.
But a memo revealed the penalties will only be issued if they are "manifestly false" - such as claiming you are called "Mickey Mouse" and reside at "Buckingham Palace".
Meanwhile, pub gardens could reopen on June 22 in a bid to help save 3.5million hospitality jobs at risk.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma warned at a No10 meeting last week that jobs will be on the line if pubs, restaurants and hotels can’t reopen for the summer.
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Pubs, restaurants, and hotels are not due to reopen until at least July.
But No10 hopes beer gardens could be used as early as June 22 under a new social-distancing plan, including ordering drinks via an app.
It is feared shuttering hospitality businesses for months could push unemployment over five million by next year.
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Passengers arrive at Stansted Airport as quarantine measures come into effect