UK coronavirus hospital death toll rises to 11,329

Government data shows drop in daily testing amid growing criticism

The number of UK coronavirus deaths has risen to 11,329, up by 717 on yesterday's figure, which only includes those who have died in hospital.

Figures from the Department of Health have also shown more than 4,000 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed, bringing the UK’s total confirmed cases to 88,621 as of 9am on Monday.

Despite government efforts to significantly increase the number of daily tests for coronavirus, testing fell from 18,000 tests on Saturday to 14,506 on Sunday, according to the data.

The new death toll came as the government has faced growing criticism over the low level of testing in the UK compared to other countries, such as Germany and South Korea.

Matt Hancock, the health secretary, recently announced a target of 100,000 daily tests by the end of April, however it is unclear whether that target will be met on time.

Downing Street has acknowledged the government has more work to do on the issue but insisted its Covid-19 testing regime was “heading in the right direction”.

A spokesperson for Boris Johnson said there had been “significant progress” in the attempt to improve testing for frontline NHS workers, with nearly 43,000 staff and their families tested so far.

Meanwhile in Manchester, a new NHS Nightingale hospital has been completed to look after up to 750 coronavirus patients from across the region who do not need intensive care but still require treatment.

Construction on the hospital, which is one of seven Nightingale facilities in England, started on 28 March, with the entire main central hall of the former Manchester Central railway station designated as bed space.

It will be staffed by consultants, junior doctors, nurses, healthcare support workers, physiotherapists, pharmacists, occupational therapists, social workers, and a huge range of non-clinical support workers and administrators.

Michael McCourt, the chief executive of the temporary hospital, wrote on Twitter: “Proud & thankful to be able to say we take our first patients today.”

Covid-19 patients have already been admitted to new hospitals in London and Birmingham to tackle a surge in demand due to the pandemic, with temporary facilities in Bristol, Harrogate, Wearside and Exeter also being built.

A review of the UK’s lockdown will take place by Thursday this week, the deadline set out in law, amid reports of disagreements in the government about how to balance the health risks posed by the pandemic and the damage to the economy.

Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, has previously warned the UK risks falling into recession as a result of disruption from coronavirus and there are reportedly some ministers who have urged lockdown conditions to be eased to counter the negative economic impact from social distancing.

Scientific advisers will meet on Tuesday ahead of a formal review of strict social distancing measures on Thursday.

Additional reporting by PA