London: Britain on Saturday reported 708 more deaths from COVID-19 -- the fourth successive daily high -- as the number of confirmed cases rose to nearly 42,000.
"As of 9 am (0800 GMT), a total of 1,83,190 people have been tested of which 41,903 tested positive. As of 5 pm on 3 April, of those hospitalised in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus, 4,313 have sadly died," the health ministry said in a statement.
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In a video message, the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned people not to break self-isolation rules on what is expected to be a warm, sunny weekend.
Johnson acknowledged that “everybody may be getting a bit stir-crazy” but urged Britons not to flout rules against gathering in groups. He said the country “has made a huge effort, a huge sacrifice” and people should continue to follow rules in order to save lives.
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Johnson, who appeared flushed and red-eyed in the video, has been working from quarantine in his Downing Street apartment since testing positive on March 26. He continues to hold daily meetings on the virus crisis by video conference.
Johnson said on Friday that although he was “feeling better,” he still had a fever and was following guidance to stay in isolation until his temperature returned to normal.
AP