Coronavirus news live: UK death toll reaches 44,968 and Blackburn implements stricter measures to avoid a Leicester-style lockdown

Face masks will soon become the norm in shops (Picture: Getty Images)

A further 138 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus, bringing the UK death toll to 44,968.

The latest figures, released today by the Department of Health and Social Care, covers fatalities in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community.

Meanwhile, fresh coronavirus restrictions have been imposed on the residents of Blackburn with Darwen following a spike in positive cases.

Concerns have been raised that the Lancashire county could become the next area to face local lockdown, prompting officials to implement stricter measures in a desperate bid to avoid a Leicester-style shutdown.

• Another 138 people die with coronavirus bringing UK death toll to 44,968
• Trump holds China fully responsible for hiding coronavirus and unleashing it on the world
• Blackburn implements stricter measures to avoid Leicester-style lockdown
• Nurse who missed smear test due to coronavirus is diagnosed with tumour ‘as big as a tennis ball’
• Deaths in shop workers up to 75% higher than rest of country
• Michael Gove seen without mask in Pret despite calling it ‘basic good manners’

Here, we bring you the live updates on the latest news, developments and guidance on the Covid-19 pandemic.