Coronavirus: 18,804 new cases in the UK, as 80 more deaths confirmed

A further 18,804 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the UK, and 80 new deaths have been reported.

It takes the total case numbers to 741,212 and the total number of deaths, according to the government, to 43,726.

On Sunday, 16,982 new daily cases of the virus were recorded - up slightly from 16,717 on Saturday.

The number of new deaths is up from 67 reported on Sunday.

Also on Sunday, Wales recorded 950 new cases, up from just 400 at the start of the month.

Scotland recorded 316 cases - a drop of 851 positive cases from the day before.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland recorded 1,012.

Separate figures from the UK's statistics agencies show there have now been 58,500 deaths registered with COVID-19 mentioned on the death certificate.

The latest update came as stricter lockdown measures are being implemented across large parts of the UK to stem the spread of the disease.

Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed that his administration will impose a short, sharp "firebreak" to slow the spread of COVID-19 from Friday.

The increase in cases has strained health systems in the worst-hit areas, with hospitals in the Greater Manchester region struggling to meet the demand of coronavirus patients.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said the situation across the country "remains perilous," particularly due to the rising rates in over 60s. Referring to the stricter measures, he said it was "unethical" to allow the infections to rise further.

Worldwide, confirmed coronavirus cases have topped 40 million.