Another 980 patients have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus - surpassing Spain and Italy's worst recorded daily totals.

During the daily coronavirus briefing, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said a total of 8,958 people have now died in hospital.

He added that yesterday a further 5,706 people tested positive for COVID-19 and the number of people in hospital who have been diagnosed with the virus now totals 19,304.

Image: The lockdown looks set to be extended next week

980 tops Spain and Italy's highest daily number of deaths, which were 961 and 919 respectively.

Among England's 866 new victims were 56 who had no known underlying health conditions. The patients were aged between 27 and 100 years old.


Earlier, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the number of people with COVID-19 who have died in Scotland had risen by 48 - taking its total to 495.

Police apologise for 'ill-informed' decision

In Wales, 29 further deaths took the number to 315.

Friday's figure from Northern Ireland was 10 additional deaths - meaning the number there stands at 92.

Britons have been urged to stay inside for the duration of the lockdown despite good weather forecast for the Bank Holiday weekend.

Families have also been advised not to travel to see relatives for Easter.

John Apter, national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said the "vast majority" of people are following the law but a minority are either "genuinely confused by the guidance or they're completely oblivious to the dangers".

"Policing is a tough job at the best of times but in some areas it's making that difficult job even more difficult," he told Sky News.

"I would beg the public - please, take the advice and stay at home, unless you have to venture out for those essential journeys."

Image: Police are urging people to stay at home

David Lewis, deputy chief constable of Dorset Police, also told Sky News officers will be stationed on arterial roads to check people aren't visiting holiday homes or beauty spots this weekend.

"My guidance would be: If you have to ask yourself 'is this an essential journey' then it probably isn't, so turn round and stay home," he said.

'Please stay home this bank holiday weekend'

The lockdown - which is due to be reviewed by next Thursday - looks likely to be extended.

Stand-in prime minister Dominic Raab announced yesterday enforced social distancing measures "will have to stay in place" until there is evidence that "clearly shows we've moved beyond the peak" of the COVID-19 outbreak.