UK coronavirus death toll rises by 89 to 43,995 but no fatalities at HALF of NHS trusts across country

The UK’s death toll today hit 43,995 after 49 more deaths across hospitals the country.

A total of 283,757 have been infected with the bug across Britain so far – up 576 from yesterday – but at half of NHS trusts, no Covid-19 deaths have been recorded.

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A member of staff at Little Italy restaurant in Leicester Square, London, stacks chairs as part of preparations ahead of reopening on Satuday[/caption]

EPA

Passengers queue up to check in for flights at Stansted Airport – days before the Government is expected to announce changes to the 14-day quarantine [/caption]

Preliminary data from today recorded 35 fatalities as per NHS England and eight deaths according Public Health Wales – Scottish and Northern Irish authorities recorded one death each.

However, the Department of Health’s official figures showed an extra 44 deaths.

The DoH’s data was released unusually late this evening, at 9pm rather than its usual afternoon release – normally around 2pm.

However, a study by the University of Oxford revealed this week that, of a sample of 131 A&E departments across England, 71 recorded no coronavirus deaths in the past seven days.

The news comes as Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced plans to ensure every pupil gets back to class by September.

During the Downing Street press briefing tonight, Mr Williamson revealed whole year groups will be put into ‘bubbles’, pupils will have staggered breaks and there will be no assemblies when schools fully reopen.

As The Sun previously reported, bubbles will be made bigger from 15 to 30 pupils to ensure there’s room for all kids to return.

But schools could be shut if just two pupils get coronavirus, while maths and English will be prioritised over art and drama in a bid to catch kids up.

Meanwhile, the Government’s 14-day quarantine for air travellers heading to the UK from 75 countries will end on Monday, it’s understood.

It is thought that the ban on non-essential travel could be lifted on most popular holiday destinations when the list is published tomorrow. 

And pubs will be among the businesses allowed to open this Saturday – although propping up the bar will feel a little bit different.

Wetherspoon customers will be among those asked to hand over their personal details before they can go for a pint.

Boris Johnson has today threatened another lockdown if people are “reckless” and ruin ‘Super Saturday’ by not following the rules.

The PM warned the public that they must do their bit to stay safe ahead of pubs and restaurants opening again at the weekend.

In an interview with the Evening Standard, he said: “Do not undo the sacrifices you have made with reckless behaviour …

“We do not want to see businesses have to close again.”

And ahead of the lockdown easing, some experts have warned of a second spike.

Locals in Leicester are already facing an extended lockdown after new cases spiralled in the city.

People living in towns including Bradford and Doncaster fear they’ll be the next to see a local lockdown.

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Samuel Smith’s brewery in Tadcaster delivers beer to local pubs by horse-drawn cart ahead of Saturday[/caption]

Press Association

Social distancing signs on the floor of Wetherspoon pub The Mossy Well in Muswell Hill, London[/caption]

EPA

It’s understood Brits will soon be able to fly to 75 countries without a 14-day quarantine upon their return[/caption]