The last time the hospital toll was that high on a Tuesday was April 28. The figure is more than double yesterday's rise, although there has typically been a deaths reporting lag following weekends throughout the pandemic. The toll included 405 who died in England, 43 in Scotland, 24 in Wales, and 16 in Northern Ireland in the 24 hours to Tuesday. Scotland has already announced a lockdown from Boxing Day while Wales' tough restrictions will only be eased for Christmas Day before being reimposed. (Image: Getty Images)Given the "inevitable mixing" over Christmas "I think there will be some increases in numbers over the next few weeks".

Source: Daily Mirror December 22, 2020 14:11 UTC