UK Covid deaths pass 100,000 with 1,631 new fatalities and 20,089 cases
More 100,000 people have now died with COVID-19 in the UK – as Boris Johnson prepares to mark a bleak day in
the battle against the deadly virus with a national address.
A further 1,631 people have died in hospitals, meaning 100,162 have died in total – less than a year since the first
coronavirus death was recovered here.
A further 20,089 positive tests were recorded overnight – 40 per cent fewer than last Tuesday’s total.
It comes after 22,195 more infections were reported yesterday in the lowest daily increase since mid-December.
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Hospitalizations have also dropped 21 per cent on last Tuesday, although more than 3,500 people are still being
admitted to hospitals every day.
The Prime Minister will speak from Downing Street this evening after the tragic milestone was reached.
Reacting to the toll today, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “My thoughts are with each and every person
who has lost a loved one – behind these heart-breaking figures are friends, families and neighbours.
“I know how hard the last year has been, but I also know how strong the British public’s determination is and
how much we have all pulled together to get through this.”
And Dr Yvonne Doyle, Public Health England’s medical director, said: “This is a sobering moment in the
pandemic.
“These are not just numbers. Each death is a person who was someone’s family member and friend.”
She urged Brits to continue to stay at home, adding: “This sacrifice will help slow the spread, protect the NHS
and save lives.”
The Office for National Statistics figures – which are collated more quickly than the Government’s – earlier
revealed there have been 103,704 fatalities in England and Wales with Covid on the death certificate.
The Department of Health’s figures differ as officials only register deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test.
In England, a further 875 people have died in hospitals. Patients were aged between 33 and 101 years old, and 21
– aged between 52 and 93 – had no known underlying health conditions.
A further 752 cases and four deaths were reported in Scotland, and 570 new infections and eight deaths were
recorded in Wales.
