UK edges towards to the 100,000 tests mark according to UK environment secretary
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Environment secretary George Eustice said the UK carried out 97,029 coronavirus tests in the last 24 hours.
The death toll in Britain now stands at 31,241.
At today's Downing Street briefing Mr Esutice said: "I can report that through the government's ongoing monitoring and testing program as of today 1,631,561 tests for coronavirus have now been carried out in the UK, including 97,029 tests carried out yesterday. 211,364 people have tested positive – and that's an increase of 4649 cases since yesterday.
"And sadly of those who tested positive for coronavirus across all settings 31,241 have now died – that's an increase of 626 fatalities since yesterday.
"This new figure includes deaths in all settings, not just in hospitals, and we express our deepest condolences to the families and friends of these victims."
On the 75th anniversary of VE Day Mr Eustice said: “Our soldiers fought around the world, there were countless acts of bravery, 450,000 British people sadly lost their lives and it was a moment when the whole country pulled together.
“As department for environment, food and rural affairs secretary, I would like to take this opportunity to record the efforts of those who also contributed in a non-military way.
“In particular our farmers who stepped up to ensure that the nation was fed and the many women who responded to the call to join the women's Land Army.”
