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The number of people who have died across the UK after contracting coronavirus has risen by 288 in 24 hours – the lowest daily reported increase since March 30.
It brings the total to 28,734 as of 5pm on Sunday, and includes deaths in care homes and the community as well as in hospitals.
But health secretary Matt Hancock cautioned against over-optimism at the daily coronavirus press briefing, telling reporters a delay in reporting deaths over a weekend was standard.
On March 30, 180 deaths were reported by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), rising to a peak of 980 on April 10.
Meanwhile, 85,186 tests were carried out on Sunday – a second day below the government’s 100,000 daily target, which was hit on Friday to some fanfare despite the revelation it included postal tests that had simply been sent out rather than necessarily received, used or returned.
There were 3,985 new positive results.