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The daily number of coronavirus cases and COVID-related deaths in the UK has remained very similar to yesterday’s numbers.
Government figures show that another 18,980 confirmed cases have been reported.
19,724 cases were reported on Wednesday.
The official government data website shows that 138 more deaths have been recorded, compared to 137 yesterday.
Coronavirus cases had risen throughout the week as the government tried to control an increase in infections across the country.
The latest figures bring the total number of positive cases to 673,622 and the total number of coronavirus-related deaths to 43,293.
Separate figures released by UK statistical agencies show that 58,500 deaths have now been recorded in the UK where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.
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Hospital admissions for COVID-19 have now reached their highest level since mid-May, new figures show.
792 patients were admitted to hospital in the past 24 hours across the UK, up from 680 yesterday, according to official data.
That’s an increase of more than 16% to reach the highest daily total since May 21.
There are now 4,941 patients hospitalized with the virus.
There has also been an increase in patients who need a ventilator to help with their breathing, to 563, an increase of 47 from Wednesday.
There is growing concern about the sharp increase in seriously ill people, especially in virus hot spots.
Doctors in the Northwest have warned that some hospitals could run out of beds within days.
The new statistics also show that 18,980 people tested positive for the virus, a slight drop from Wednesday’s total of 19,724.
However, the figure only counts those who develop symptoms and can access a test.
Government scientists last week estimated the actual number of daily infections to be between 27,000 and 57,000.
They will update their estimate on Friday.
More areas of England are scheduled to move into Level 2 lockdown restrictions on Saturday.
London, Essex, Elmbridge, Burial mound at Furness, North East Derbyshire, Erewash, Sofa Y York they are moving into the “high risk” category, which means that different households cannot meet indoors.
Southend and Thurrock in Essex are not included in the new measures because they are unitary authorities.
The government is also in talks with Greater Manchester leaders about moving the area to Level 3, the strictest set of restrictions, which would completely ban domestic mixing and shut down pubs and bars.
Northwest leaders have rejected the proposals, saying “it will not be canaries in the coal mine” and have criticized the plans as “flawed” unless better financial support is offered.
