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Coronavirus: Six-week-old baby among latest UK deaths

Infant one of 332 people reported on Friday to have in hospitals across England

Chiara Giordano
Friday 08 May 2020 15:40 BST
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Coronavirus rate of transmission is increasing, says chief government statistician

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A six-week-old baby has died after contracting coronavirus in the UK.

The infant was among 332 people newly reported to have died in hospitals across England .

The oldest victim of the virus was 103, while 22 of the 332 patients had no underlying health conditions, NHS England said on Friday. Those 22 were aged between 40 and 96.

The total number of confirmed deaths in hospitals in England now stands at 22,764.

In Scotland, 49 more deaths were recorded on Friday, bringing the overall death toll to 1,811.

Wales confirmed a further 28 people had died, raising its tally to 1,090, while the department of health in Northern Ireland reported five new fatalities, raising its death toll to 427.

The government is expected to provide a clearer picture of the total number of UK coronavirus deaths when it confirms those who have died in care homes and the wider community at its daily briefing.

A top government statistician has warned the coronavirus rate of transmission is increasing.

Professor Ian Diamond told Wednesday’s Downing Street press conference that the critical ‘R’ rate measuring the spread of coronavirus infections is on the rise again – raising fresh questions about any lockdown easing.

“That is driven by the epidemic in care homes,” he said. ”That gives us a real challenge.”

The warning comes as Boris Johnson prepares to announce an easing of lockdown restrictions on Sunday.

Ministers have warned Britons to expect only minor and limited changes.

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