UK coronavirus death toll rises by 288 to 28,734

People wearing protective face masks are seen on London Bridge at rush hour, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), London, Britain, May 4, 2020. REUTERS/Toby Melville

Britain's COVID-19 death toll has risen by 288 to 28,734, according to figures announced on Monday by Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

The increase was the smallest since late March, Hancock said, adding that he expected it to rise in coming days as the numbers tended to be lower during the weekend.

Britain's Health Secretary Matt Hancock chairs the Daily COVID-19 Digital News Conference with Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam and Professor of Public Health & Epidemiology, Coordinator of the National Testing Effort, Professor John Newton to update on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain May 4, 2020. Andrew Parsons/10 Downing Street/Handout via REUTERS

(Reporting by Andy Bruce and Estelle Shirbon)

A woman wearing a scarf is seen in Tooting, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), London, Britain, May 4, 2020. REUTERS/Hannah McKay

A sign regarding social distancing is seen at the Canary Wharf station, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), London, Britain, May 4, 2020. REUTERS/Adam Oliver

A woman waits for a train at North Greenwich station, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), London, Britain, May 4, 2020. REUTERS/Adam Oliver

A man wearing a protective face mask is seen leaving the Canary Wharf station, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), London, Britain, May 4, 2020. REUTERS/Adam Oliver

General view of escalators at North Greenwich station, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), London, Britain, May 4, 2020. REUTERS/Adam Oliver

General view of people on escalators at Canary Wharf station, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), London, Britain, May 4, 2020. REUTERS/Adam Oliver

General view of people at North Greenwich station, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), London, Britain, May 4, 2020. REUTERS/Adam Oliver

Travel books are left for people to take and enjoy on a pavement in Clapham, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), London, Britain, May 4, 2020. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez