Coronavirus: UK records lowest increase in COVID-19 deaths since lockdown began

18th May 2020
Coronavirus testing

Another 160 deaths across all settings, including hospitals and care homes, has taken the total to 34,796.

The UK has recorded its lowest daily coronavirus fatality figure since the nationwide lockdown began, with 160 further deaths.

The increase – the lowest recorded by the Department of Health since 24 March – takes the total to 34,796.

The figure includes coronavirus-related fatalities in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the community.

On Sunday, the UK had recorded its lowest daily number of deaths in 53 days, as 170 new deaths were announced, although today’s figure marks another small drop.

The numbers are typically lower over the weekend and just after, but the daily increases have been trending downwards.

At the peak on 2 April, 961 deaths were reported.

In England, a further 122 people have died, bringing the total number of deaths in hospitals in the country to 24,739.

Seven of those had no known underlying health condition, and they were aged between 50 and 85.

The number of deaths by region were as follows:

East of England – 10

London – 10

Midlands – 28

North East & Yorkshire – 28

North West – 24

South East – 16

South West – 6

In Wales, a further four people have died, taking its total to 1,207.

Report courtesy of Sky News