Covid: Further 45 deaths in the UK and 44,917 more cases

There were 44,917 more positive tests for Covid-19 in the latest 24-hour period, according to government figures.

Meanwhile, there have been a further 45 deaths reported within 28 days of a positive test.

It puts the UK's Covid death toll at 143,972, while the total number of infections since the start of the pandemic stands at 9,889,926.

The latest figures come as other European countries are tackling a surge in cases.

Austria went into a full lockdown this week, while a partial lockdown in the Netherlands has led to protests.

Will the UK be next to bring back a lockdown? ITV News Health Editor Emily Morgan explains why the answer is likely to be no

England

In England, there were 36,478 new Covid-19 cases reported, bringing the total number of infections to 8,385,361.

There were 34 more Covid deaths, bringing the nation's death toll to 125,294.

Scotland

Scotland reported 2,481 more positive tests. The nation now has a total of 706,874 infections since the start of the pandemic.

There were no further deaths reported, and the death toll is now 9,478.

Wales

There were 4,489 new infections reported in Wales, bringing the total number of positive tests to 491,640.

Welsh authorities reported eight more Covid deaths, meaning the nation now has a death toll of 6,357.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland recorded 1,469 new cases and three more Covid deaths.

The total number of cases has reached 306,051, while the death toll is 2,843.

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