UK coronavirus death toll rises by 111 to 39,045

Daily fatality rate increase the lowest since nationwide lockdown began

The UK has recorded a total of 39,045 coronavirus-related deaths since the beginning of the outbreak, Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced - confirming the lowest 24 hour increase in fatalities relating to the virus since lockdown measures were implemented.

The minister confirmed 111 fatalities were recorded across the latest 24 hour period, however the death toll in total increased by a 556 to incorporate historic data which had previously been missed from the Department for Health and Social Care's figures - a spokesperson confirmed.

It comes as new measures to ease the nationwide lockdown are introduced - including the reopening of some school classes and gatherings of six people in public spaces and private gardens being permitted.

"The data show that we are winning the battle against coronavirus", Mr Hancock told the daily Downing Street press conference. "Today we are therefore able to make some cautious changes to the lockdown rules, carefully and safely."

In the 24-hour period up to 9am on Monday, 128,437 tests were carried out or dispatched with 1,570 positive results. Overall, a total of 4,484,340 tests have been carried out and 276,332 cases have been confirmed positive.

However Mr Hancock warned that "the disease is not done yet".

"We must all remember that in the war against this virus we are all on the same side. We have come so far together, we can take these steps together.

"But do not step too far, the disease is not done yet. We mustn't throw away the progress that has been made."

Noting that the nation could return to a more stringent lockdown if necessary for public health, he added: "We are attempting to move the system from these national, blanket measures to a more targeted approach - this is why test and trace is such an important part of that.

"But we have always said that we are prepared to reintroduce measures - whether that is nationally or in response to a localised outbreak - if that is necessary."