Britain suffers 355 more coronavirus hospital deaths – a fall of almost 30% in a week

Britain has suffered 355 more coronavirus hospital deaths, falling by almost 30 per cent in a week, it was announced today.

A total of 307 patients died in England, alongside 29 in Scotland, 16 in Wales and three in Northern Ireland.

The number of Covid hospital deaths previously rose by 513, in what was the lowest toll on a Saturday in six weeks.

It comes ahead of Boris Johnson‘s plan to unveil his ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown on Monday, likely announcing that families and friends will be reunited by Easter.  

The Prime Minister is poised to allow more social mixing within weeks, providing a light at the end of the tunnel for millions of grandparents isolated from their grandchildren.

A Whitehall source said rules around how many people they can spend time with outdoors will be relaxed. Ministers are looking at the data and a final decision on when the restrictions will be eased will be taken at the weekend.

It means friends and family could be able to see each other again in time for the Easter holidays. The Prime Minister will spend the weekend putting the finishing touches to his long-awaited roadmap, before he announces it on Monday.

It is thought the new plan could replace the ‘Rule of Six’ as entire families, regardless of size, are expected to be allowed to meet up in outside spaces.

From April, two households would be able to meet outdoors while gatherings of six people from six different households would also be acceptable.

Relatives who live further away from each other may have to wait a little longer for a reunion, as the future rules on travelling longer distances are still unclear. And in the case of those who do meet up, the two-metre rule is expected to remain in place for months to come.

More to follow.