COVID-19: UK records 1,325 deaths In 24 Hours, the highest daily toll since start of pandemic

The United Kingdom has registered its largest daily COVID-19 death toll since the beginning of the pandemic.

A further 1,325 new fatalities were recorded on Friday, bringing the total death toll to 79,833 — the highest in Europe.

The death toll eclipsed the previous worst of 1,224 recorded on April 21 during the height of the first wave last year.

An additional 68,058 new infections were also registered — the highest one-day increase the UK has recorded since the beginning of the pandemic.

The government earlier announced that all travellers to Britain will need pre-departure coronavirus tests.

Fears are growing about fast-spreading new variants of the virus, particularly from South Africa, with concerns hospitals could be overwhelmed.

The government this week announced new stay-at-home restrictions, which include school closures, that are expected to last until at least mid-February.