UK records 596 coronavirus hospital patients die in 24 hours

The Department of Health have announced on Sunday that 596 people have died from coronavirus in hospitals across the UK, as of 5pm Saturday.

The total number of coronavirus deaths across the UK now stands at 16,060 and 120,067 people have tested positive for the virus.

England has 14,400 deaths, Scotland 903, Wales 475 and Northern Ireland had a total of 194.

The Health Secretary Matt Hancock is facing an urgent emergency within the NHS as the much-needed shipment of life saving vital equipment is now delayed.

It was reported on Sunday that a shipment of personal protective equipment (PPE) was due to arrive today from Turkey, Sky News understands.

The Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said on Saturday that a shipment is due which will alleviate the pressures doctors and nurses are facing.

Announcing the PPE delivery from Turkey on Saturday, Robert Jenrick said, “Demand is extremely high and quantities are in huge demand internationally but we will continue to work as hard as we can.

“Those healthcare workers who are on the front line again should know that we completely understand their anxiety and we are doing all we can to try and get them the equipment that they need as quickly as possible.”

A plane carrying 10m face masks with other vital PPS has arrived in Scotland from China on Sunday.

Dire warnings were not listened too by scientists and the UK “lost a crucial five weeks” in tackling the deadly coronavirus, according to an investigation by The Sunday Times.

Government whistleblowers alleged that in January and February there was complacency as, “a crucial five weeks in the fight to tackle the dangerous threat of coronavirus despite being in a perilously poor state of preparation for a pandemic.”