As per the Department of Health and Social Care, the UK coronavirus death toll has increased by 260 in just 24 hours - bringing the total to 1,019.
The DoHSC also revealed that as of 9:ooam this morning, 120,776 people have been tested for COVID-19 in the UK. The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the UK now stands at 17,089.
The news comes one day after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson took to Twitter to announce that he had tested positive for the deadly virus.
A statement from the PM on Twitter read:
"Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus. I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus. Together we will beat this. #StayHomeSaveLives"
Johnson stated that he will be able to continue serving the nation thanks to the "wizardry" of technology.
In addition, UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock also took to Twitter yesterday to reveal that he had also tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Hancock wrote on Twitter:
"Following medical advice, I was advised to test for #Coronavirus. I‘ve tested positive. Thankfully my symptoms are mild and I’m working from home & self-isolating. Vital we follow the advice to protect our NHS & save lives #StayHomeSaveLives"
The DoHSC also confirmed yesterday that, as per a new government partnership with the NHS, medical workers will be first in line to receive testing.
We are urging all of our UK readers to follow the government's advice. Stay home. Protect the NHS. And save lives.
We are urging all of our readers to adhere to the advice from their respective governments and medical bodies, and practice social distancing and self-isolation where required. Together, we will beat this...