The toll comes as MPs are set to vote on new restrictions
(Picture: PA)The UK recorded 603 more deaths from coronavirus on Tuesday, with 13,430 new cases of the disease.
It brings the country’s official death toll to 59,051. Separate figures published by the UK's statistics agencies suggest there have now been 74,000 deaths involving Covid-19 in the UK.
The figures are a sharp increase on Monday, when 205 new deaths were reported. However, a reporting lag over the weekend often leads to higher numbers on Tuesdays.
A week ago the UK recorded 608 deaths and 11,299 new cases. The higher number of cases today suggests the second wave has not yet tailed off, despite falling infection rates.
It comes as MPs prepare to vote on the tougher tier system of coronavirus restrictions that is expected to replace the national lockdown from midnight on Tuesday.
Boris Johnson promised £1,000 to pubs forced to remain closed under England’s new coronavirus restrictions as he sought to ward off a damaging Tory revolt over the plans.
The new arrangements will come into force on Wednesday, putting 99 per cent of England in the toughest Tier 2 and Tier 3 restrictions, with the Commons almost certain to back the plans despite a Conservative rebellion.
But Mr Johnson’s announcement of a one-off payment for “wet” pubs which do not offer food was branded “derisory” by the trade at a time when landlords should be enjoying a festive boost to their takings.
And senior Tories lined up in the Commons to say they would not be supporting the measures replacing England’s national lockdown.
Pubs in Tier 2 areas – covering 57 per cent of England’s population – can only serve alcohol with a “substantial meal” and are also covered by rules restricting households mixing indoors, severely harming trade.
In Tier 3, pubs and restaurants can only offer takeaway and delivery services.
