COVID-19: UK reports 20 more coronavirus deaths and 2,474 cases | UK News

The UK has reported 20 more COVID deaths and 2,474 cases, according to the latest government figures.

The figures are up slightly on the 2,357 daily cases and four deaths reported on Monday.

They are also higher than they were last Tuesday when the 1946 new coronavirus infections and four deaths were recorded.

Meanwhile, a total of 35,587,348 people have now received a first dose of a COVID vaccine – against the total of 35,472,295 recorded on Monday.

And 18,088,385 people have now received two doses of the vaccine, against 17,856,550 people recorded on Monday.

He comes as Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News the government could change mask-wearing rules next month, saying ministers “haven’t ruled it out” as part of the fourth step of England’s roadmap to easing restrictions on 21st of June.

Wearing face masks in a variety of settings, including in shops and on public transport, has been mandatory since last summer.

Meanwhile, Nicola Sturgeon announced an easing of restrictions on COVID-19 from May 17th across most of Scotland – cuddling with loved ones is allowed again.

The Scottish Prime Minister has upgraded most of the country from Tier 3 to Tier 2, meaning up to six people from three households can socialize indoors in a private home.

But experts have warned could be another wave in late summer or fall if restrictions continue to be relaxed as planned.

Modeling by the Imperial College COVID-19 response team also revealed that there could be a “small wave” of hospital admissions and around 9,000 additional deaths by June 2022 if Steps three and four of the roadmap are continuing as planned.

They said the timing and size of a third wave will depend on transmission levels between May 17, when restrictions will then be relaxed, and June 21, when all limits on social contacts are to be removed.

But, if worrying variants emerge which are comparable to the Kent variant, the third …