Number Of UK Coronavirus Deaths Increases By 891 In 24 Hours

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The number of people who have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus has risen by 891 in 24 hours.

The increase consists of 765 in England, 81 in Scotland, 41 in Wales and four in Northern Ireland.

UK-wide figures from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) are yet to be published, so the data are taken from each nation’s individual reporting.

It brings the working total to 7,988.

But the government tally, when it is released, is unlikely to match this figure. Northern Ireland, counts deaths up to 9.30am, rather than 5pm as the DHSC does. Here’s a quick primer on what all the different numbers mean and how to understand them.

The vast majority of the data for England cover deaths that took place prior to Wednesday and which NHS England was late to report: 568 between April 1 and April 7, and 57 in March, going as far back as March 16.

Patients in England were aged 24 to 103, with 43 having no known underlying health conditions. They include a previously healthy 33-year-old.

The latest figures are accurate as of 5pm on Wednesday.