The UK has recorded almost 3,000 new coronavirus cases for the second day running. Health secretary Matt Hancock said he was “concerned” about the surge in cases.
Hancock urged the public to follow social distancing rules, he told BBC Radio 1’s Newsbeat on Monday: “Don’t kill your gran by catching coronavirus and then passing it on.”
2,948 cases of Covid-19 had been reported in previous 24 hours, suggesting levels of infection are similar to those last seen in May.
The increase comes the day after the number of positive coronavirus tests in the UK jumped by 2,988 – the biggest daily rise in more than three months.
Hospital deaths
An independent probe has been ordered into Covid-19 outbreaks at a Northern Ireland hospital after the death of a fourth patient.
Three wards at Craigavon Area Hospital in Co Armagh have been hit by coronavirus clusters.
The most severe outbreak has been in the Haematology Ward.
The Southern Health Trust said a fourth patient treated in the ward who had tested positive died on Monday morning.
Earlier on Monday, the minister chaired discussions with senior officials from the Southern Trust, the Public Health Agency and the Department of Health.
“I said on Friday that a thorough investigation is required and that patients and bereaved families are entitled to answers,” he said.
“I can now confirm that a level three serious adverse incident review will be initiated.
“This will be independently chaired and I expect its findings to be made public.
“I also want to again express my deepest sympathies to the loved ones of those who have passed away.
“I am deeply sorry that families have been plunged into grief in such disturbing circumstances.”
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