Coronavirus news live: UK death toll reaches 44,819 and ‘more than 100 flare-ups dealt with weekly, Health Secretary says

Life is slowly returning to normal in the wake of coronavirus (Picture: PA)

Another 21 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus, the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced.

A total of 44,819 people have died in the UK across all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community.

Meanwhile, more than 100 coronavirus flare-ups are being dealt with ‘swiftly and silently’ each week across the UK, the Health Secretary has said.

Matt Hancock described how officials had been working to ‘hunt down the virus’ by targeting areas of concern and increasing the numbers of tests taking place. This then allowed for them to take ‘local action’ instead of imposing national measures, he said.

• UK’s coronavirus death toll reaches 44,819 after 21 more die
• More than 100 coronavirus flare-ups dealt with weekly says Health Secretary
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• John Lewis ‘to reject £14m grant’ for bringing furloughed workers back

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