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Covid: UK records new daily high of 1,610 deaths Covid: UK records new daily high of 1,610 deaths
(30 minutes later)
A further 1,610 people have died in the UK within 28 days of a positive Covid test - the biggest figure reported in a single day since the pandemic began.A further 1,610 people have died in the UK within 28 days of a positive Covid test - the biggest figure reported in a single day since the pandemic began.
It means the total number of deaths by that measure is now above 90,000.It means the total number of deaths by that measure is now above 90,000.
The previous highest figure came last Wednesday, when 1,564 deaths were recorded.
Another 33,355 positive Covid cases have been recorded in the most recent 24-hour period.
A total of 4,266,577 people have now received the first dose of a vaccine, according to the latest government figures.A total of 4,266,577 people have now received the first dose of a vaccine, according to the latest government figures.
The figures come as new estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show about one in 10 people across the UK tested positive for Covid-19 antibodies in December - roughly double the October figure. Another 33,355 positive Covid cases have been recorded - less than half the peak figure of 68,053 on 8 January.
It is the lowest number of daily cases seen since 27 December - before the start of England's third nationwide lockdown.
Dr Yvonne Doyle, medical director at Public Health England, said: "Whilst there are some early signs that show our sacrifices are working, we must continue to strictly abide by the measures in place."
She said reducing contact with others and staying at home will lead to "a fall in the number of infections over time".
Covid antibodies in 1 in 10 people in DecemberCovid antibodies in 1 in 10 people in December
Health secretary self-isolating after Covid alertHealth secretary self-isolating after Covid alert
The figures come as new estimates from the Office for National Statistics show about one in 10 people across the UK tested positive for Covid-19 antibodies in December - roughly double the October figure.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said he is self-isolating after being alerted by the UK's NHS Covid-19 app.Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said he is self-isolating after being alerted by the UK's NHS Covid-19 app.
He said self-isolation was "perhaps the most important part of all the social distancing" and urged others to do the same if contacted.He said self-isolation was "perhaps the most important part of all the social distancing" and urged others to do the same if contacted.
The rising number of deaths was to be expected sadly after the surge in cases during December.
And it is likely that the coming weeks will see figures even higher than this.
Today's numbers are, though, inflated by the fact that delays in registering deaths over the weekend tends to lead to higher figures being reported on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
On average, the UK is recording over 1,100 deaths a day.
To put that in context, at Christmas it was less than half of that.
But there are two rays of hope in the daily update.
Firstly, the number of cases is below 40,000 for a third day in a row. Just two weeks ago we saw a few days above 60,000.
That means in the coming weeks we should start to see fewer people in hospital and eventually fewer deaths.
The number of vaccinations also continues to rise.
It seems unlikely the NHS will manage its target of two million doses a week just yet.
But each increase at least takes us one step closer to getting on top of the virus.
The previous highest number of daily deaths was last Wednesday, when 1,564 deaths were recorded.
In total, 91,470 people have died within 28 days of testing positive, but there are other ways of measuring the total number of deaths.In total, 91,470 people have died within 28 days of testing positive, but there are other ways of measuring the total number of deaths.
When all deaths where coronavirus is mentioned on the death certificate are counted, plus deaths known to have occurred more recently, the number of deaths involving Covid in the UK is more than 100,000. When all deaths where coronavirus is mentioned on the death certificate are counted, that figure has now officially reached 99,813, although that is only measured up to 8 January.
Another method is to count excess deaths - all deaths over and above the usual number at the time of year.Another method is to count excess deaths - all deaths over and above the usual number at the time of year.
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