Covid: Deaths rise by 158 as a further 26,911 people test positive for coronavirus

A further 158 people have died in the UK 28 days after testing positive for Covid-19, the latest government figures show.

The increase in deaths, published by the Department of Health, means the total number of fatalities since the start of the UK's outbreak of the virus now stands at 134,805.

However, when taking into account all deaths that list Covid-19 on a death certificate, that number rises to 157, 669, according to government data.

As of 9am on Thursday, another 26,911 lab-confirmed positive tests were recorded.

In the past week, cases have decreased by 22.4% compared to the previous seven days.

Between September 10 and 16, 211,303 people had a confirmed positive test result - down from 272,334 cases between September 3 and 9.

England

Cases increased by 22,949 in England, while the death toll rose by 123 to 118,229.

Wales

A further four deaths were recorded in Wales, bringing the death toll to 5,774, while another 2,891 cases were reported.

Scotland

The death toll rose by 26 in Scotland to 8,319, while the nation recorded no new cases.

Northern Ireland

Another five deaths were recorded in Northern Ireland bringing the overall death toll to 2,483, while a further 1,071 cases were reported.

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