Another 207 people have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus, taking the total to 1,235.

The number, which was down from the previous day's 259, counts those who died in the 24 hours up to 5pm on Saturday.

In England, 190 more people have died in that time after testing positive for COVID-19.

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NHS England said those who died were aged between 39 and 105, and all but four patients - aged between 57 and 87 - had underlying health conditions.

England's total number of deaths is now 1,125.


The Department of Health said 1,228 people had died across the UK but NHS England then released a higher figure for the country.

A further 10 people have died in Wales, taking the total deaths there to 48.

One person died in Scotland and six in Northern Ireland.

According to NHS England, 15 people died at Barts Health NHS Trust in the City of London and east London - the most in the country.

Image: Michael Gove said the NHS could save lives if people listened to the lockdown and stayed home

It was followed by the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust in north London, with 10 people dying there.

There were seven deaths each at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, Mid Essex Hospital Service NHS Trust and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.

The increase in deaths came as the government warned the nationwide lockdown could go on for a "significant" time.

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Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove told Sky News the length of the lockdown has not been decided but scientists at Imperial College, who are advising the government, suggest it should go on until late May or early June.

Mr Gove warned the lockdown would be longer if people do not stick to the rules.

Antibody testing for frontline NHS staff started this weekend after the government faced criticism for not doing so.

Mr Gove said the number of tests carried out is now at 10,000 a day but will increase to 25,000 a day.

However, senior figures have called for mass testing, with former prime minister Tony Blair saying "virtually everybody" in the UK may have to be tested.

Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt also called for mass testing, as well as contact tracing.