By Covid: UK virus deaths exceed 100,000 since pandemic began
There have been nearly 104,000 deaths since the pandemic began, data from the UK’s national statisticians shows.
The figures, which go up to 15 January, are based on death certificates. The government’s daily figures, which rely on positive tests, are slightly lower.
Chris Hopson, of NHS Providers, which represents health service managers, described the milestone as a “tragedy”.
“Behind each death will be a story of sorrow and grief,” he said.
“We pay tribute, once again, to NHS and care staff who have done everything they can throughout the long months of this pandemic to avoid each one of these deaths and reduce patient harm.”
Dr William Welfare, director for the COVID-19 response at PHE, urged the public to stay at home where possible and warned that: “Approximately 1 in 3 people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and could be spreading it without realising it.”
Boris Johnson will deliver the next Covid press conference this evening
Boris Johnson will deliver the latest Covid press conference on a day when the pandemic passes a grim milestone for the UK.
The Prime Minister will deliver the next Covid update at 5.00pm on Tuesday 26 January.
Mr Johnson will be joined at Downing Street by England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty, and NHS England boss Sir Simon Stevens.
