UK Covid death toll rises by 498 in 24 hours

A further 498 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 in the UK.

The figure marks a decrease in coronavirus-related deaths compared to the last two days, with 696 deaths recorded Wednesday and 608 on Tuesday. The total coronavirus death toll stands at 66,713.

Another 17,555 people tested positive to Covid-19 in the 24 hours to Thursday 26 November, bringing the number of cases to 1,574,562.

The latest figures come after the government announced earlier that most of England will go into tougher levels of coronavirus restrictions when the national lockdown ends next week.

Some 55 million people – or close to 99 percent of the population – will continue to face stringent coronavirus curbs come 2 December, when the lockdown ends.

Only Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Wight – making up for 1.27 percent of England’s population – will enjoy the “medium” level tier 1, meaning people thyey will be able meet with others indoors and outdoors in groups of up to six people.

Some 23.3 million people in large parts of the Midlands, North East and North West will be placed under the most restrictive tier 3. The figure represents about 41.5% per cent of the population.

The other 32 million, including Londoners, will be in the second tier.

“These are not easy decisions, but they have been made according to the best clinical advice,” health secretary Matt Hancock said.

MPs will vote on the new system on 1 December, one day before the tiers come into force.

Boris Johnson faces a revolt on the Tory benches over the measures, which some in the party have branded “truly appalling”.

Coronavirus continues to grip much of the rest of Europe. Poland recorded 580 deaths on Thursday, down from an all time high of 674 on Wednesday.

Italy added 822, marking the second time the country records more than 800 confirmed coronavirus deaths in one day for the second time this week.

Additional reporting by PA

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