A record 854 people have died of COVID-19 in the UK on Tuesday (7), taking the total to 6,227.
NHS England has confirmed 758 deaths, with authorities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland announcing a further 96 between them.
Patients were aged between 23 and 102 years old, and 29 patients had no known underlying health condition.
The death toll is more than double the number announced on Monday (439).
Scientists have, in recent weeks, predicted that the peak of the outbreak would come at Easter, suggesting the nation is in for a turbulent seven days.
British prime minister Boris Johnson remains in intensive care in St Thomas' Hospital in London.
Reports said that “he is in good spirits” and “breathing on his own”.
The UK has 51,608 COVID-19 patients and the death toll has been increasing since last week except for the past two days.
