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UK reports more than 150,000 Covid deaths
The BBC reported that more than 150,000 people in the UK have now died within 28 days of a positive Covid test since the pandemic began.
A further 313 deaths were reported in the government's daily figures on Saturday, taking the total to 150,057.
The UK is the seventh country to pass 150,000 reported deaths, after the US, Brazil, India, Russia, Mexico and Peru.
Some 146,390 new cases have also been recorded in the UK, with the more transmissible Omicron variant driving a surge in infections.
The number of deaths within 28 days of a positive test has also begun to rise, with the total of 1,271 in the past seven days up 38.3% on the previous week.
The impact of vaccinations means Covid hospital admissions and deaths are not rising as quickly as during previous waves.
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However, hospitals remain under pressure due to rising admissions and Covid-related staff absences.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he hopes England can "ride out" the current wave of infections without further restrictions, although he acknowledged parts of the NHS would feel "temporarily overwhelmed".
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England is currently under Plan B restrictions, which includes mandatory face masks in most public indoor spaces, Covid passes for entry to some large venues and advice to work from home where possible.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have already introduced tougher measures for hospitality venues.
Source: BBC
