Another 53 people die with coronavirus bringing UK death toll to 45,554
A further 53 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus, bringing the UK death toll to 45,554.
The latest figures, released today by the Government, covers fatalities in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community. A total of 297,146 people have been diagnosed with Covid-19 across the country since the start of the pandemic, with a further 769 new cases confirmed in the past 24 hours.
Earlier, NHS England announced 19 more deaths had been recorded in hospitals since yesterday. Elsewhere, Scotland has now reported no new coronavirus deaths for a week running. Wales similarly recorded no new fatalities since yesterday, while Northern Ireland have yet to update their figures.
It comes on the eve of new regulations taking effect which will make the wearing of face coverings mandatory in shopping centres, banks, takeaway outlets and sandwich shops across England. Those rules are in addition to existing legislation making them compulsory in stores and supermarkets from July 24.
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Face coverings will also be mandatory in railway stations and airports, while venues such as restaurants, pubs and gyms will be exempt.
The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed it will be compulsory to wear a face covering when buying food and drink to take away from cafes and shops, meaning that people will be required to wear one in the likes of Pret A Manger.
As well as shops and supermarkets, face coverings must be worn in banks, building societies and post offices under the regulations which are enforceable by the police.
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They will not need to be worn in other venues including eat-in restaurants and pubs, hairdressers and other treatment salons, gyms and leisure centres, cinemas, concert halls and theatres.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: ‘As we move into the next stage of easing restrictions for the public, it is vital we continue to shop safely so that we can make the most of our fantastic retail industry this summer.
‘Everyone must play their part in fighting this virus by following this new guidance.
‘I also want to thank the British public for all the sacrifices they are making to help keep this country safe.’
The regulations are enforceable by the police. The same exemptions as for public transport will apply, with children under 11 and people with breathing problems not required to wear a covering.
A full list of where you will have to wear a face covering can be found here.
Meanwhile, people living in a city or large town should be within a 30-minute walk of a Covid-19 testing site by the end of October as the Government prepares for a possible surge in winter cases.
At least a few hundred walk-in testing centres are to be established in towns and cities based on how easily people could push a buggy to one.
Those heading the NHS Test and Trace programme are also recruiting more people to work in local health protection teams as the system scales up to deal with any rise in cases in the colder months.
Experts including England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty have warned of a potential second wave of Covid-19 cases in the winter.
Prof Whitty told MPs on Tuesday: ‘A surge in winter is a really serious concern looking forward and where I spend most of my thinking time.’
People tend to stay indoors more in the colder months, where the virus transmits more easily, and ventilation is reduced as they keep their doors and windows closed.
The news comes as figures show NHS Test and Trace is failing to reach adequate numbers of people who may be ill in places with the highest infection rates.
The Government has pledged to publish regional data but has not done so yet.
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