UK Coronavirus Deaths Increase By 861 In 24 Hours

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The number of people who have died in UK hospitals after contracting coronavirus has risen by 861 in 24 hours.

It brings the working total to 13,729 as of 5pm on Wednesday – an increase of 7% on the figure of 12,868 24 hours earlier.

On Thursday, the UK’s four devolved authorities reported 740 deaths in England, 80 in Scotland, 32 in Wales and 18 in Northern Ireland – totalling nine more deaths than the central figure. Here’s a quick primer on what all the different numbers mean and how to understand them.

A person in a protective suit near St James' Park as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Newcastle.

Meanwhile, as of 9am on Thursday, 103,093 people in the UK have tested positive for the disease, including 4,618 in 24 hours.

The people who died in England were aged 28 to 103. Some 40 of them had no known underlying health conditions.

The daily increase does not mean 861 people died on Wednesday. Of the 740 people in England who died, all but 151 died prior to April 15 and were delayed in being reported to the government.