UK records 1,348 coronavirus deaths as total fatalities from the disease nears 100,000

The UK has recorded a further 1,348 coronavirus deaths and more than 33,000 new infections.

It brings the total UK death toll to 97,329.

The latest Government data showed a daily rise of 33,552 cases of Covid-19, bringing the total number of infections since the pandemic began to 3,617,459.

It comes as concerns have been raised about new data that suggests the UK coronavirus variant detected in Kent is linked to a higher mortality.

Boris Johnson told a Downing Street press conference on Friday: “I must tell you that we have been informed today that in addition to spreading more quickly, it appears that there is some evidence that the new variant that was first identified in London and the South East may be associated with a higher degree of mortality."

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