Latest
SUNDAY SLOWDOWN
UK coronavirus deaths rise by 8 to 46,201 in lowest Sunday tally since lockdown
THE UK coronavirus death toll has risen by eight today - the lowest rise since before lockdown began.
The number of people in Britain who have now died with Covid-19 has reached 46,201, and while the daily death toll is the lowest it has been since March, more than 744 people have been newly diagnosed in the past 24 hours.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
5
5
5
The total number of lab-confirmed UK cases of coronavirus is now 304,695.
It comes amid news Boris Johnson is preparing to ban indoor get-togethers over fears of a second wave of the virus.
The Prime Minister is poised to burst the “bubble” system which allows separate households to meet under one roof.
This week, he put the brakes on lockdown easing measures after cases in the UK more than doubled in just a fortnight.
It comes after Boris Johnson this week announced:
- The UK recorded its first rise in coronavirus cases since the end of May
- Skating rinks and bowling alleys that had expected to reopen on August 1 will now have to wait another two weeks at least
- Brits will have to wear a face mask in cinemas and museums from August 8
- The Home Secretary will work with the police to ensure coronavirus rules are "properly enforced"
- Employers who do not make workplaces Covid-secure will face the law
- Sport fans will not be allowed to attend live events
- Wedding receptions of up to 30 people will not be permitted
- Facials also remain banned for another two weeks
A more severe regional lockdown may be imposed in a wider area of North West England, where infection rates are at their highest.
But another option is a ban on bubbles, which allow up to 30 people from two households to meet indoors.
And experts are looking at plans for sick, older and vulnerable people to be ordered to stay at home.
Brits aged between 50 and 70 could be given personalised risk ratings in a move that would add to the 2.2million people who shielded during the spring peak, The Sunday Times reports.
It comes just days after 4.5million people in Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and West Yorkshire were hit with new restrictions.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was introducing the clampdown with a “heavy heart” - but was "chilled" by soaring infection rates in Northern England.
A No 10 source said: "Another national lockdown is like our nuclear deterrent — we will never rule it out but it should be the very last resort in the fight against Covid."
The Prime Minister has repeatedly told Brits during speeches that he wants to avoid another national shutdown, and instead implement local lockdowns - like the one enforced this week in Greater Manchester.
It comes over fears the UK is at a 'tipping point'.
In England, 41,589 people have died from the virus, while 2,491 have died in Scotland.
In Northern Ireland, 556 coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded, while the total in Wales is 1,565.
England has 262,746 total recorded cases, while Scotland has 18,676.
Wales has 17,315 recorded Covid-19 cases and Northern Ireland has 5,948.
Most read in News
Officials believe cases are rising because social distancing measures are being ignored.
Mr Hancock said the spread in nine areas - including the cities of Manchester and Bradford - was “largely due to households meeting and not abiding by social distancing rules”.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Brits needed to remain vigilant, saying: "With those numbers creeping up, our assessment is that we should now squeeze that brake pedal in order to keep the virus under control.
"We must keep our focus and we can't be complacent."
5
5
Topics