UK coronavirus death toll rises by 111 to 39,045

The UK has recorded a total of 39,045 coronavirus-related deaths since the beginning of the outbreak, Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced.

The death toll provided by the minister is 556 higher than the previous day, however when announced Mr Hancock said the 24-hour increase in the total tally of virus related fatalities stood at 111.

The department for health is yet to explain the discrepancy.

In the 24-hour period up to 9am on Monday, 128,437 tests were carried out or dispatched with 1,570 positive results.

Overall, a total of 4,484,340 tests have been carried out and 276,332 cases have been confirmed positive.

It comes as new lockdown-easing measures are introduced - including the reopening of some school classes and gatherings of six people in public spaces and private gardens being permitted.

Mr Hancock told the daily Downing Street press conference: "The data show that we are winning the battle against coronavirus.

"Today we are therefore able to make some cautious changes to the lockdown rules, carefully and safely."

However he warned that "the disease is not done yet".

"We must all remember that in the war against this virus we are all on the same side. We have come so far together, we can take these steps together.

"But do not step too far, the disease is not done yet.

"We mustn't throw away the progress that has been made."

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