UK coronavirus death toll hits 443 in 24 hours

The UK has recorded a further 443 deaths in 24 hours across UK hospitals after testing positive for the deadly coronavirus.

England reported 366 people, Scotland 44, Wales 26 and 17 in Northern Ireland, with the overall toll now standing at 29,186.

Five of London’s NHS trusts announced a total of 2,237 coronavirus deaths, whilst University Hospital Birmingham recorded the highest number for one trust standing at 786, in 24 hours.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said, “every death is a tragedy.”

He said, “Every death from coronavirus is a tragedy.

“We are working night and day to give all of those affected the best possible support.

“In terms of the general trend that the death statistics set out, I would point you to the PM’s words last week where he said we are past the peak of this disease and on the downward slope but we remain in a dangerous phase and must recognise the risk of a second peak.

“We must continue to do all that we can to suppress the virus and keep the reproduction rate down.”

According to new information from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) the UK has now overtaken Italy’s death toll and the highest in Europe.

ONS data shows that there was 29,710 coronavirus deaths up to 24 April in England and Wales, this includes 5,890 in care homes.