UK’s COVID Death Toll Hits 65,000 as Cases Surge Past 1.2 Million
The UK’s coronavirus crisis deepens with the death toll now reaching 65,000, according to official statistics showing COVID-19 mentioned on death certificates. Government figures report 49,238 deaths, but further data reveals the grim reality is much worse.
New Cases Climb to 21,350 in a Single Day
COVID-19 infections continue to spike, with 21,350 testing positive yesterday—up from 20,572 the day before. The total confirmed cases across the nation have hit a staggering 1.213 million.
Hope on the Horizon: Vaccine Could Roll Out by Christmas
There’s fresh hope for a way out. The government’s deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, revealed a vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech shows 90% effectiveness.
“This is a very important scientific breakthrough,” said Prof Van-Tam at a press conference with Boris Johnson. “I’m hopeful we could see some vaccine by Christmas.”
However, he warned it won’t curb the current surge. “We have to battle through this wave to the end without a vaccine,” he urged. The vaccine could prevent future waves, but not this one.
Ireland Reports Rising Cases and Deaths
Across the Irish Sea, the Department of Health confirmed 270 new COVID-19 cases, pushing the total to 65,659. Another death was recorded, taking Ireland’s death toll to 1,948.
Of the latest cases, 143 are men, and 127 are women, with 69% under 45 years old.
