UK records most COVID-19 deaths since last February

LONDON

The UK recorded an additional 379 deaths from the coronavirus Tuesday, its highest since last February when the country registered 442 fatalities.

The numbers bring deaths since the start of the pandemic to 150,609.

The government data also showed there were an additional 120,821 cases in the UK in the last 24 hours, bringing the total since the start of the pandemic to more than 14.7 million.

Up to and including Jan. 10, there are 90.4% of Britons aged 12 and older who have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, 83% getting a second dose, and 62.3% having their booster or third dose administered.

In Scotland, First Minister Nicol Sturgeon announced that beginning Monday, restrictions on large outdoor events will be lifted.

“I can confirm today that the attendance limit of 500 at large-scale outdoor events will be lifted from Monday, 17 January,” said Sturgeon.

Since Boxing Day -- the day after Christmas -- outdoor events have been limited to 500 people.

The rule change means that football fans can return to stadiums, among other events. The country’s COVID certification scheme will remain in place. ​​​​​​​