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The UK recorded 23,254 confirmed coronavirus cases on Sunday, up from 21,915 the day before.
The latest government figures also show that 162 COVID-19-related deaths were recorded on Sunday, up from 326 on Saturday.
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It comes after the number of confirmed cases in the UK surpassed the one million mark on Saturday. The country has registered a total of 1,034,914 cases.
And the total number of deaths recorded within 28 days of a positive test is now 46,717.
The latest numbers come after it was announced that England would be placed in a second lockdown starting Thursday.
Cabinet Minister Michael Gove told Sky News the month of the measures. could be extended beyond December 2 if necessary.
Speaking to Sophy Ridge on Sunday, the Conservative leader also defended the delay in reintroducing the nationwide restrictions, which had been requested by the government’s own scientific advisers in September.
Gove said tougher action is needed now because “the situation has been worse than any of us expected” and threatened to overwhelm the NHS.
Meanwhile, a prominent scientist told Sky News that keeping schools open during closure could mean infection rates will stay higher longer and could result in prolonged blockage.
Former Chief Scientific Advisor Sir Mark Walport said the November restrictions they were not as “severe” as the first time, and that there was a “possibility” that the restrictions would have to remain in effect for more than four weeks.
In an interview with Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday, he warned: “It’s unlikely this time will go down as fast as it did during the first shutdown because we have schools open.”
Under soon-to-be-enforced restrictions in England, people will only be allowed to leave their homes for specific reasons, such as education, work or grocery shopping.
Colleges and universities will also remain open, while those unable to work from home, such as construction or manufacturing workers, will be encouraged to continue to go to their workplaces.
Pubs, bars and restaurants will also close across the country, although they may offer takeout and home delivery services.
