Deadliest day since pandemic began as record 1,325 coronavirus patients die across UK

The Government said a further 1,325 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as today (January 8) – the highest number of UK deaths reported on a single day since the outbreak began.

15 of those deaths occurred in South Yorkshire- five in Sheffield, five in Doncaster, two in Rotherham and three in Barnsley.

It brings the UK death toll to 79,833.

The figures continue to be affected by a lag in the publication of recent data and will contain some deaths that took place over the Christmas and New Year period that have only just been reported.

Covid-19: 15 more patients die across South Yorkshire

Separate figures published by the UK’s statistics agencies for deaths where Covid-19 has been mentioned on the death certificate, together with additional data on deaths that have occurred in recent days, show there have now been 95,000 deaths involving Covid-19 in the UK.

Hospital admissions of people with Covid-19 have also reached another record high.

A total of 3,967 admissions in England were reported for January 6, passing the previous record of 3,697 on January 5.

During the first wave of the virus, admissions peaked at 3,099 on April 1 2020.

The number comprises all patients admitted in the previous 24 hours who were known to have Covid-19, plus any patients diagnosed in hospital with Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

The Government went on to say that, as of 9am today, there had been a further 68,053 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.