Coronavirus: UK death toll tops 40,000

Another 357 virus-related deaths reported as Britain’s shops and restaurants remain shut

There have been 61,895 more deaths than would be expected since the pandemic reached the UK. AP

The UK has confirmed more than 40,000 coronavirus-related deaths – only the second country after the United States to reach such a total.      
Official Government figures show 40,261 people have died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community. The count includes only those people who have tested positive for Covid-19.

The British Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, speaking at the daily UK government news conference, confirmed 357 new deaths in previous 24 hours.
"Although the past few months have been a time of enormous sorrow for many people we have made progress in our fight against the virus," he said.

"There is so much more to do. We must always remain vigilant especially when it comes to protecting our National Health Service."
Mr Hancock said 283,311 people had tested positive for Covid-19 with 1,650 new cases reported in the previous 24 hours.
Separate figures from the Office for National Statistics, which includes all fatalities in which Covid-19 is mentioned on a death certificate, puts the death toll at 48,106.
The office also said there were 61,895 more deaths than would normally be expected since the pandemic reached the UK. The number includes conditions such as dementia, where delay in care may have contributed towards deaths.
The UK is behind only the US, which, with 108,278 deaths, has by far the most coronavirus fatalities.

Both Brazil, which is earlier in its outbreak and where the government has tried to minimise lockdown orders, and Italy, which is later in its outbreak and has started lifting restrictions, have suffered more than 30,000 deaths.
The UK is slowly easing its lockdown restrictions but most shops remain closed and starting on June 8, passengers arriving in the country will have to complete two weeks of self-isolation.