The number of people who have died due to coronavirus in the UK has risen sharply to 759 today.
The death toll in Britain jumped by 181, according to figures released by the Department of Health and Social Care. As of 5pm on Thursday (March 26), 759 had died.
There are now 14,579 confirmed cases in Britain, up from 11,658 yesterday.
The department has now been forced to take on a new approach to recording confirmed cases and deaths as the Government, NHS England and Public Health England rapidly scale up the number of tests for COVID-19 completed each day.
Figures will now be reported via a new automated system which will provide the number of cases and deaths recorded in the previous 5pm-5pm period.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced he had tested positive for the virus and was suffering from "mild symptoms."
He said: "Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus.
"I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus.
"Together we will beat this."
Downing Street confirmed the PM will work from the office and the study in Number 11, which has been now been vacated by the Chancellor. They also confirmed that full video conferencing facilities have been installed so that Mr Johnson can continue working.
Boris Johnson's diagnosis was followed shortly by the news that Health Secretary Matt Hancock also tested positive for coronavirus.
Mr Hancock tweeted: “Following medical advice, I was advised to test for #Coronavirus. I‘ve tested positive. Thankfully my symptoms are mild and I’m working from home & self-isolating. Vital we follow the advice to protect our NHS & save lives.”
