UK coronavirus deaths rise to 44,198 as 67 more patients die

Another 67 COVID-19 patients have died in Britain as of Friday afternoon, bringing the total coronavirus-related death toll in the country to 44,198, the British Department of Health and Social Care said Saturday, reported Xinhua.

The figures include deaths in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community.

As of Saturday morning, 284,900 people have tested positive for the disease in Britain, a daily increase of 624, according to the department.

Millions of people in England emerged from the COVID-19 lockdown on the so called "Super Saturday" to enjoy coffee shops, bars, restaurants and hair salons for the first time in over three months.

Meanwhile, political leaders and health chiefs were nervously watching the day's progress, gauging the impact of the first taste of "real freedom" since March.

In advance of the biggest easing of lockdown rules, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it would benefit the local businesses as well as the whole country, warning he would not hesitate to re-impose restrictions if the new freedoms sent the number of coronavirus patients rocketing.