UK coronavirus death toll nears 40,000 as 115 more die in England
London, June 4, 2020 (AltAfrica)-Coronavirus deaths in the UK have risen to at least 39,843 after 115 fatalities were recorded in hospitals across England in the last 24 hours.
The Government’s official UK tally – which includes coronavirus deaths across all settings – will be confirmed on Thursday’s daily briefing.
It brings the total number of deaths in England to 27,159.
Thursday’s rise in England is smaller than it was on Wednesday when NHS England confirmed another 179 deaths from the killer bug.
It is also the lowest death rate recorded in England on a Thursday for the last ten weeks.
Nicola Sturgeon revealed today that nine more coronavirus deaths in Scotland had been confirmed in the last 24 hours – taking the country’s toll to 2,395.
It was the first time since March that the country’s death rate dropped to a single figure.
In Wales, eight more deaths were confirmed, bringing the grim total there to 1,379.
Northern Ireland announced one further death since yesterday, bringing its overall death toll from the virus to 535.
Earlier this week, it was revealed more than 50,000 people in the UK have died from the killer bug – 10,000 more than the official tally.
It comes as Britain eases its way out of the lockdown, with pubs like Young’s expected to be re-opening in July.
The pub chain, which has 276 boozers – most of which are in the capital – says it hopes to start trading again in mid-July at its larger venues.
Brits have also been urged to go on staycation holidays in the UK from July to boost the tourism industry at home.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden today suggested Airbnb holiday lets would be the first parts of the British tourism industry to reopen as they have a “lower risk” of spreading coronavirus.
He said he is still optimistic of opening up UK holiday spots in July, and will push a “major campaign to encourage people to take British staycations.”
Meanwhile, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has hit out once again over the Government’s 14-day quarantine rules being enforced from next week, calling them a ‘shambles’.
He also warned that they won’t be enforced as it relies on passengers self-isolating without being monitored.
