The number of infections is declining as 1,003 people out of more than 170,000 tested positive, taking the total number of cases in the country to 290,143, according to health officials.
The UK currently holds the record number of coronavirus pandemic deaths in Europe. The number can be as high as 60,000 according to figures by the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
The high number of fatalities was a point of discussion during Wednesday’s Prime Minister Question Time – a weekly question and answer session at the House of Commons.
Keir Starmer, leader of the opposition, said the deaths ranging from more than 40,000 to above 60,000 “haunt us”.
“These are amongst the highest numbers anywhere in the world. Last week the prime minister said he was proud of the government’s record. But there’s no pride in those figures, is there?” he said.
Starmer also accused the government of having no coherent plan for opening schools fully.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “The best scientific evidence and advice is that we must wait until the epidemic has been through its whole cycle in order to draw the relevant international comparisons.”
Johnson also said he will reveal more steps to “unlock” the country following coronavirus-related restrictions which have been in place since late March.
As of Monday, he said, all shops can open, later in daily press briefing.
He said single persons and single parents can form a “support bubble” with multiple households and they can spend time in each other’s houses. He said this is to curb the harmful effects of loneliness due to lockdown.
He said safari parks, zoos and outdoor cinemas can reopen from Monday, provided that they take necessary precautions.
Places of worship will also be reopened for single prayer from next week, Johnson said.
Also, we intend to bring all students back to school by September, he added. **
