Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he “understands how difficult” coronavirus is for the country, adding: “I’ve lost two people I was fond of”.
The cabinet member, who has himself recovered after being diagnosed with Covid-19, delivered the government’s daily briefing from Downing Street today.
He also said he “understands how difficult” coronavirus is for the country as he told of the loss of two people he knew.
He added that the country now has adequate supplies of oxygen in hospitals.
It comes as the UK’s death toll of those diagnosed with coronavirus rose by 621 to 4,934 – a slight decrease from yesterday.
Earlier Mr Hancock said that outdoor exercise could be banned completely if people do not stick to social distancing rules.
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(Image: PA)
He said sunbathing in public spaces was against the Government guidance – and told those who disobeyed are putting their own and others’ lives at risk.
As temperatures rose across the country, some parks closed because too many people had ignored the advice to stay at home.
Mr Hancock told the BBC: “We’ve said it’s OK to go for exercise because both the physical and mental health benefits of getting some exercise are really important.
“I don’t want to have to take away exercise as a reason to leave home… if too many people are not following the rules.
“At the moment the vast majority of people are (following the guidance) but people should not break the rules because that will mean that the virus spreads more and then we might have to take further action.”
He also confirmed that Boris Johnson continues to have a high temperature but is “OK” and in “good spirits” as he remains in self-isolation in Downing Street.
(Image: Daily Mirror)
NHS England gave the breakdown by region of the 555 deaths of patients with Covid-19 as:
- East of England 40
- London 174
- Midlands 74
- North East & Yorkshire 103
- North West 47
- South East 81
- South West 36
The number of people who have died in Northern Ireland after contracting coronavirus has risen by seven to 63, health officials said. Testing there has resulted in 91 new positive cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 1,089.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said two more people have died after
testing positive for coronavirus in Scotland, bringing the total deaths there to
220.
And Public Health Wales said 12 more deaths of people who had tested positive for Covid-19 have been reported, taking the number of deaths in Wales to 166.
