UK reports 26 COVID deaths and 2,762 cases in daily figures

The UK has reported 2,762 new cases of COVID-19 and 26 deaths in figures released on Easter Monday.

There was no COVID-19 data from Wales and Northern Ireland on Sunday, so numbers from those countries have been added to those released today.

Week-on-week new cases of the coronavirus are down sharply from 4,654 last Monday, while deaths within 28 days of a positive test are up slightly from 23.

The figures come ahead of Boris Johnson announcing plans for COVID passports, overseas travel and whether the next step out of lockdown will happen next week.

Follow live coronavirus updates from the UK and across the world

Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker

The prime minister will hold a news conference at 5pm after he chairs a virtual meeting of the COVID-19 Operations (COVID O) committee, which advises Mr Johnson on coronavirus policy.

The second step of the roadmap out of lockdown is meant to start on 12 April and will see non-essential shops, hairdressers and beauty salons reopen.

Outdoor hospitality can also reopen, with the rule of six or a larger group from two households, and self-catering holidays in the UK with your own household allowed.

As part of the roadmap, there is a minimum of five weeks in between each step – four weeks for the scientific data to reflect the changes and to be analysed, followed by a week’s notice of which restrictions will be eased.

Mr Johnson will announce a system for “COVID-status certification” which could allow people to return to sporting fixtures, theatres and other public events.

Read Entire Article