Covid: More than 10 million coronavirus cases recorded in UK since the start of pandemic

More than 10 million positive cases of Covid-19 have now been recorded in the UK since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the latest government statistics.

A further 47,240 positive Covid cases were reported in the 24 hours to 9am on Thursday, bringing the total number of infections since the start of the pandemic to 10,021,497.

However, the true total is likely much higher, since at the start of the pandemic widespread testing was not available, and many people with Covid do not display symptoms and so do not test themselves.

The latest cases come as a further 147 deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test were recorded, bringing the UK's Covid death toll to 144,433.

With tougher Covid rules and mandatory vaccinations coming in in parts of Europe, could another lockdown be brought in in the UK? ITV News Health Editor Emily Morgan explains why the answer is likely to be no

England

In England, there were 40,382 new Covid-19 cases reported, bringing the total number of infections to 8,496,990.

There were 113 more Covid deaths, bringing the nation's death toll to 125,676.

Scotland

Scotland reported 2,932 more positive tests. The nation has now had a total of 715,399 infections since the start of the pandemic.

There were 20 deaths reported, meaning the death toll stands at 9,524.

Wales

There were 2,377 new infections reported in Wales, bringing the total number of positive tests to 498,101.

Welsh authorities reported nine new Covid deaths, meaning the nation has a death toll of 6,377.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland recorded 1,549 new cases and five more Covid deaths.

The total number of cases has reached 311,007, while the death toll is 2,856.

For more advice and information about the virus, listen to the ITV News Covid podcast: