UK coronavirus death toll rises by 338 to 36,042

Number of infections rises by more than 2,600

The UK's coronavirus death toll has passed 36,000 after an increase of 338 from the day before.

The health ministry said 250,908 people have tested positive for Covid-19 as of Thursday morning.

This is up 2,615 from Wednesday's figures.

Across all settings in the UK, 36,042 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died as of 5pm on 20 May, the Department of Health and Social Care said.

There have been more than three million Covid-19 tests in the country as of Thursday morning, according to the latest figures.

This includes 128,340 tests on 20 May, the health ministry added.

The new figures came on the same day Scotland laid out how the country plans on gradually lifting its lockdown over the virus.

Scots will be allowed to meet people from one other household, sunbathe and take part in some noncontact sports from the end of next week.

All schools will reopen on 11 August, but to ensure social distancing in class children will return to a "blended model of part-time in-school and part-time at-home learning".

However, Nicola Sturgeon said: "I cannot stand here and rule out to the people of Scotland that at some point over the next few months we might have to go back the way, because this virus is unpredictable."

The first minister added: "For all our progress, the virus has not gone away. It continues to pose a significant threat to health. And if we move too quickly or without proper care, it could run out of control again very quickly."

England started easing some of its lockdown measures last week, with people allowed to meet one person from outside their household in a public space.

The UK government has told primary schools in England to plan to take in more pupils from the start of the next month, although this move has met with criticism from education unions.

Some local councils have even advised against welcoming back children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 amid concerns for student and staff safety.

Additional reporting by Press Association