UK coronavirus deaths rise by 143, with cases up more than 17,000

Latest update brings total Covid-19 fatalities to 43,018

A further 143 people have died from coronavirus over the latest 24-hour period, the government has said, bringing the UK total to 43,018.

The government also confirmed that, as of 9am on Tuesday, there had been a further 17,234 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK. 

It brings the total number of cases in the UK to 634,920.

The latest death toll is the highest daily figure since 164 deaths were reported on 10 June, but there is often a delay in the reporting of deaths over a weekend.

Separate figures published by the UK's statistics agencies show there have now been 58,500 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

As of Tuesday, there were 3,905 Covid-19 patients in hospital in England, up from 2,783 a week ago, while 441 Covid-19 hospital patients were in ventilation beds, up from 349 a week ago.

A total of 628 patients with confirmed Covid-19 were admitted to hospitals in England on Sunday, compared with 478 a week earlier.

In Scotland, 487 Covid-19 patients were in hospital as of Monday, up from 218 a week earlier, with 36 in ventilation beds, up from 22 a week earlier.

In Wales, 348 Covid-19 patients were in hospital as of Monday, up from 249 a week earlier, with 30 in ventilation beds, down from 32 a week earlier.

In Northern Ireland, 140 Covid-19 patients were in hospital as of Sunday, up from 116 a week earlier, with 15 in ventilation beds as of Monday, up from eight a week earlier.

Data on patients with Covid-19 is not comparable across the UK due to differences in the way the figures are reported.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, medical director of Public Health England, said: "The trend in Covid-related deaths is starting to rise quickly, which is hugely concerning.

"We have seen cases increasing especially in older age groups which is leading to more hospital admissions.

"This is a stark reminder for us to follow the guidelines. Importantly, do not mix with others when unwell.

"We must all do our part to help control the virus by following the restrictions in our areas, maintaining social distance, wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces and washing our hands regularly."

Additional reporting by agencies.