A further 367 people have died in the UK in the last day, according to government figures, bringing the UK total to 45,365.
The number of deaths reported on Tuesday is the highest daily figure since 27 May, when 422 deaths were reported.
The daily figures of deaths within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19, combined with separate figures from the UK’s statistics agencies for deaths where the virus has been mentioned on the death certificate, and additional data on deaths that have occurred in recent days, show there have now been more than 61,000 deaths involving Covid-19 in the UK.
The government said that, as of 9am on Tuesday, there had been a further 22,885 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK. This brings the total number of cases in the UK to 917,575.
The government said that, as of 9am on Tuesday, there had been a further 22,885 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK, bringing the total to 917,575.
Dr Yvonne Doyle, medical director of Public Health England, said in a statement: “We continue to see the trend in deaths rising and it is likely this will continue for some time.
“Each day we see more people testing positive and hospital admissions increasing. Being seriously ill enough from the infection to need hospital admission can sadly lead to more Covid-related deaths.
“We can help to control this virus. We know that by washing our hands regularly, wearing a face covering and socially distancing we can save lives by slowing the spread of the virus.â€
It comes amid speculation that West Yorkshire will be moved into tier 3 coronavirus restrictions, while Nottingham is set to face the stringent measures on Thursday.
In Scotland, Lanarkshire is being considered for the highest level of the country’s new tiered system, with the potential for travel curbs and hospitality businesses closing.
More than 8 million people in England, predominantly in the north, will be under the tightest Covid-19 restrictions by the end of the week.
Warrington entered tier 3 on Tuesday, meaning pubs and bars in the Cheshire town must close unless they serve substantial meals.
Households are also banned from mixing indoors or in private gardens, while betting shops, adult gaming centres, casinos and soft play centres have been shut.
The north-south divide in the tier system has sparked concern among Tory MPs, with the newly-formed Northern Research Group writing to the prime minister to express their fears.
The group, led by former northern powerhouse minister Jake Berry, urged Boris Johnson to provide a “clear roadmap†out of lockdown restrictions.
With the Liverpool city region, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and South Yorkshire already in tier 3, the latest changes will mean 8.2 million people in England living with major curbs on their freedoms.
Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson, whose brother Bill died of Covid-19, has backed the idea of a fourth tier of restrictions, telling BBC Breakfast: “If anything was required to bring it down faster I would do that.â€
Research by Imperial College London published on Tuesday estimated that more than 95% of England’s population is unlikely to have the antibodies needed to protect them from coronavirus, and there is a possible decrease in immunity over time after infection.
