Coronavirus Outbreak: 39 More Deaths Announced, Bringing UK Total To 177

The new figures were announced on Friday.
|

The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in the UK now stands at 177.

There have been 167 in England, six in Scotland, three in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.

The number of deaths across the UK is up 40 on the equivalent total for yesterday.

This is the biggest day-on-day rise since the outbreak began.

Meanwhile, as of 9am on Friday, 3,983 people had tested positive for Covid-19 in the UK, with almost 67,000 tests having been carried out. 

The first coronavirus-related death in the UK was reported 15 days ago, on March 5.

Early cases identified had involved people connected to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China.

Experts believe the virus is spread in cough and sneeze droplets. The virus can survive on surfaces for several hours, but it is unclear exactly how long for.

Government scientists say a small proportion of people will pass on the virus while having no symptoms themselves.

General medical advice is to wash your hands with soap and hot water more often. Do this for at least 20 seconds each time.

The NHS says people should also wash their hands when they get home or arrive at work. Hand sanitiser can be used if soap is not available.

Anyone with coughs and sneezes should catch them in a tissue, which is then put in a bin. Wash your hands afterwards.

People should also avoid close contact with people who are unwell, and avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth if their hands are not clean.

Initial symptoms include fever, cough, tightness of the chest, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

More severe cases can cause pneumonia, sepsis and septic shock, which can lead to death. There are no specific treatments or vaccines as yet but symptoms can be treated.