UK coronavirus cases at four month high for second consecutive day

Cars at a drive through coronavirus test site in Twickenham. Credit: PA

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK has risen by 4,422 according to the latest government figures, as ministers consider tough new restrictions amid a rising "second wave".

The number of new cases in the past 24 hours is at a four month high for the second day in a row.

Saturday's data confirmed a further 27 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19, bringing the UK total to 41,759.

Though separate figures published by the UK’s statistics agencies show there have now been 57,500 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

Overall, 390,358 cases have been confirmed in the UK.

Boris Johnson on Friday visited the Jenner Institute, Oxford, where scientists are working on a coronavirus vaccine Credit: Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA

England

NHS England said a further 16 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospitals in England.

It brings the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals to 29,735.

Patients were aged between 69 and 97 and all had known underlying health conditions.

The dates of the deaths were between August 19 and September 18, with the majority on or after September 17. Five other deaths were reported with no positive Covid-19 test result.

Scotland

Three new coronavirus deaths were reported in Scotland on Saturday.

According to Scottish Government data 2,505 people have died who have tested positive, while 4,236 deaths have been registered in Scotland where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

A further 350 new cases have been reported.

Wales

Two new deaths have been reported in Wales and a further 212 cases.

The total death toll there stands at 1,603.

Northern Ireland no longer publishes official data on the number of Covid-19 deaths at the weekend.